Hi Guys,

I have a July 1974 144DL that had its head gasket let go last week.

I am just cleaning it all up and stripping bits off the engine so I can remove the head for testing and cleaning, etc.

Before I can take the head off I need to drain the coolant from the block.

Now there's 2 types of drain plugs on the block for a B20, one has a little 'handle' on it and the other is flat with a square in the centre for a tool to be inserted to undo the plug.

I have the latter version (see pic), and was wondering how to get it out of the block. It is currently soaking in WD40, and whilst my 3/8" socket adapter fits in the opening on the plug, it's not the snuggest of fits. What tool should I use? Also is the thread a standard one to undo the plug? ie. turn left to undo.

Thanks in advance.
--
Paul0075, 1974 144DL, orange, California interior.

Use the complete image URL. Not the relative value.

Looking at the technical image BrickPiX listing, we see your coolant plug:

https://www.brickboard.com/GALLERY/index.htm?pix_type=TECHNICAL&

The entry list in the HTML field, yet does not specify the http protocol, yet should display:



Copy the HTML in the HTML field and paste into the IMAGE URL field at the bottom of every brickboard compose message form.

Or do it as Uncle Art Benstein tells us to in the yellow graphic here using simple HTML in the message field.

Enjoy.
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Give your brickboard.com a big thumbs up! Way up! - Roger Ebert.

Leave it alone.

I take the thermostat out, insert some windscreen washer hose through the head gasket into the block, and syphon it out, then move on to lifting of the tappet cover and proceeding.
--
69 142S Overdrive + 69 164S Manual

Could you post a link to your picture? Nothing shows up for me..

I'd also love to see pics of your car... 'orange with California interior' sound interesting (and lovely!) :)
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-Matt I ♥ my ♂

If your 3/8ths drive is a loose fit it's likely the square drive is 10mm. Your car is a '74 so the engine is likely to be a "metric" motor--8 bolt crank. I don't know if such a tool is commonly available but I can tell you having worked for Peugeot dealers the "factory" tool for removing the engine drain plug was an inexpensive two ended (one end bent at an angle) 10mm square drive bar. Find someone who works on Peugeots :-) and you'll have the tool you need (if it is indeed 10mm). I can "loan" you mine--but would require a substantial deposit to assure return. -- Dave

If it is a 10mm square, google "10mm drain plug wrench"

You'll find plenty for sale, and likely you can find one at local parts store.

$2.09 at Walmart, but.. $5+ shipping
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-Matt I ♥ my ♂

I might faint if you actually got that plug out, even with the correct tool.

I have always had to drill that plug and use an extractor to remove it which I do every time I rebuild an engine.

For some reason, Volvo stupidly stopped installing drains and used plugs instead for all of the fuel injected B20 and B30 engines. However, all of the OHC motors come with a drain.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502

Fwiw use more heat. Dark
cherry red metal moves.