I'm getting started putting some new heads on my car and am having problems with the drain plugs on the block. Both the drivers and passenger side are starting to strip. Can I just take the water pump off to drain as much coolant out of the block. Will getting coolant into the cylinders damage my bearings when I get it running again?

I appreciate any help.

 

get a box wrench on there and get them off. When i pulled my heads, i drained the radiator, drained from the Knock sensor, but couldnt get at the drain plug very well. So when it came time to pull my DS head, i did it slowly, and just let the coolant that was there sort of drip down the block. When it was done, i cleaned everything up and pulled the head. Only thing is, this caused coolant to run down into the oil pan, causing a milkshake when i started it back up. Changed the oil and everything has been fine since. As long as you dont run it very long it wont hurt your bearings

 

If you drain the radiator and atleast where the knock sensor is on the passenger side you will have to the majority out. Just have some tools to dry the little bit of water that does get into the bores and all will be ok...

 

thanks. I'll take the starter off and see if that will give me enough room to get a wrench on it.

 

I leave my starter in place when taking off my knock sensor. Give that a shot before removing it.

 

Well it will free up some room to get a wrench on it. It is trying to strip if I put a lot of pressure on it with a socket. I've tried both 7/8 and 22mm with the same results.

 

I see. For reinstallation I've always taken an impact socket and simply tightened it down very strongly by hand. It prevents overtightening and allows you to simply take it back out by hand with the socket in the future.