To avoid damaging the radiator itself, could someone tell me how to safely remove the drain plug from the radiator in a 1998 Lumina?

Thanks,

Craig

 

if you are wanting to drain the radiator, pull the bottom hose.

 

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the comeback. I'm not looking to drain the radiator per say; I want to change out the drain plug. The drain plug that is in the radiator has been damaged, the thumb grip has been ripped off, probably with a pair of pliers. I've already got the new one, just can't get the old one out.

Craig

 

If it is damaged, You prbably will need vise gripes to get it out. If it is not leaking, I'd suggest leave it alone, and when you need to drain the radiator, pull the hose.

 

The radiator drain petcock in those years was a push-in twist lock kind. Twist it about a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull to remove: