How to remove Alde antifreeze drain plug?

JP2558

I want to drain (and replace) all the antifreeze from the Alde and the first step is to remove the red plug to trigger the gravity drain process. However when I tried to simply remove the red plug it did not budge. It appears there may be some sort of clamp that is holding/keeping the drain plug nice and secure. What's the trick to removing this antifreeze drain plug?

Sharon_is_SAM

This is the type of flat band hose clamp that Alde sells to remove the plug

https://www.amazon.com/Automotive-Repair-Installation-Removal-Ring-Type/dp/B085FTNH4Q/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=wide+flat+band+hose+clamp+pliers+automotive&qid=1592677417&sr=8-16

db_cooper

Assuming it's the same as my 2015 320,  I just use 2 pairs of pliers, one to squeeze the clamp and another to tug on the plug.  Just have to wiggle the brass plug to get it to loosen up.

JP2558

Thanks for the input. I wonder if a simple, small radiator hose clamp would work should I have to replace this...?

JP2558

@db_cooper - So squeezing the clamp releases the tension on the plug?

JP2558

Note to self - yes squeezing the clamp does release the tension on the plug. Problem solved!

tybladesmith

A locking flat band hose clamp plier is highly recommended, however a needle nose vise grip can work but if the clamp slips while compressed you may never find it, and clamps this small may be hard to buy locally. YMMV
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Removal-Installation-Ring-Type-Flat-Band/dp/B07RTQV4F1/ref=pd_lpo_60_t_0/147-1093476-3673404?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07RTQV4F1&pd_rd_r=ff7bc0f5-2941-40d9-9a74-c79c371a2f38&pd_rd_w=PmNZd&pd_rd_wg=tW6Um&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=7FQVEM5FTWT2A51G4YAA&psc=1&refRID=7FQVEM5FTWT2A51G4YAA 

JP2558

I used the 'two pair of pliers' method recommended by db_cooper. Very simple process.

Lawyerboy

So I have an 18 tab 320 cs s and once you drain alde fluid using this above method after finding the underside line and plug, where do you refill new fluid if you are doing the mix with new method yearly?  I am a new owner of this unit.  Thanks 

Sharon_is_SAM

The glycol expansion tank is behind the hatch over the toilet on the clamshells.

Lawyerboy

Ok so drain from underneath and simply fill in the expansion tank. Then run it I guess to have the fluid settle down into the system?  Thanks 

Mellow_Yellow

@Lawyerboy - turns out, that pulling the plug only drains about 1/3 of the Alde system. Here's a recent, helpful thread:
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/2665/changing-out-the-alde-fluid#latest