How to remove Alde antifreeze drain plug?

JP2558 · November 2020

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 · November 2020

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 · November 2020

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 · November 2020

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

JP2558 · November 2020

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

JP2558 · November 2020

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

tybladesmith · November 2020

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 · November 2020

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

Lawyerboy · January 2021

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 · January 2021

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

Lawyerboy · January 2021

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 · January 2021

@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

How to remove Alde antifreeze drain plug?

Comments

Categories