Dumb radiator drain plug

[SLeepr]

I had another "brown" event today. On my way to work, my temp needle decided to do the red dance. As it turns out, my coolant slowly poured out that glorious drain plug. When I stopped to get out and assess what was going on, there was so much coolant all over the underside of the car, it was hard to isolate where it was coming from. The last time I had a power flush done, I had this same problem two weeks later. Apparently, the little plug had managed to work itself out over the course of a few weeks. Well, I drained all of my coolant and replaced it with the ol' 50/50 about.......you guessed it....two weeks ago. Once again, that little plug must have worked itself out just enough to dump it all.

So, my question is.......is there a better way to ensure that plug is in. It still seemed tight when I checked it after today's ordeal. I maybe cranked it EVER so slightly. But, it seemed fine for the rest of the day. Also, is there some sort of tool that works well in that access hole to get a little more torque on that plug? Even needle nose pliers are tough to get in there with a firm grip. I'm picturing a tool that looks more like a spark plug boot tool but is more like a set of linear pliers. Do they exist?

[wolfman]

The one on the radiator? There are actually at least two different versions that I can remember. One of which you push IN and THEN turn about 1/2 turn or so to tighten...

[SLeepr]

Yes, that is the one. It has almost a "key turning" like function. To drain the coolant, you turn it 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull out a bit. But, it seems as if it works itself out.....all by itself!! Argh!

[wolfman]

I seem to remember it's more like 1/2 a turn with a noticeable (feelable?) click when it locks in. Try pushing IN while tightening it BUT DON'T break it! The plug itself can be puled completely out with some effort, make sure it's "O" ring is there and intact.