what exactly do you guys use to remove the drivers side coolant drain plug? There is a bolt that runs right in front on the drain plug along with the couple lines that run along the side of the car making it practically impossible to grip this drain plug. I tried a normal socket but the bolt that runs across keeps me from even being able to get the socket on and then I tried a boxed end wrench but with the angle of the plug and those lines I can't get a grip on it and then the open end can somewhat grab the plug but slips off cuz it doesn't get a very good grip.. What do you guy normally use to get that pain in the @ss plug out?

 

If I recall you are doing water pump opti and timing cover?
You don't really need to drain the block to do a timing cover and water pump...
Might be a good idea to leave the block drains in for now, and get on with the other work..
I have done WP several times, and draining the radiator is sufficient..
When you pop the WP off a little coolant will drain, and then there'll be the coolant in the block passages dribbling a bit... just jack the front up a little higher, and that stops it..

 

I just pulled mine a couple of weeks ago. It's not that bad if you're a little creative. First thing you'll need to do is back out the motor mount bolt. This is really not as big of a deal as it might seem. The bolt is inserted from the front, so all you need to do is remove the nut and back it out till it's not blocking the plug. Next take a socket, I think it was 14mm, and grind it down. It only needs to be deep enough to cover the head of the plug. Then use a wobble extension on your rachet and you can get that out of there easily.

-Dave

 

OK, sounds good, i'll just leave the block drain plugs, as of right now all I got left to do is pull the hub off and the unbolt and pull off the water pump. I was just under the impression that water would be gushing out of the top of the block all over my opti if I didn't drain the block which is why I didnt go ahead and start and the water pump already, but a few dribbles coming out isn't bad at all.

 

I allways drain the radiator then remove the 2 bottom waterpump bolts water drains out there down to that level (in the block).

 

Also, I covered my opti with a plastic bag prior to loosening the WP bolts, just for extra insurance...