How do I close my 2000 Caravan Radiator Drain plug?

Question

I just drained my 2000 Grand Caravan radiator by turning a plastic plug on the drivers side at the bottom of the radiator. Now I'm attempting to close it by twisting it back on but it seem like it isn't threaded. Is this correct? If not, how do I get it back in? If I hit it with my hammer, as I'm want to do, since it is plastic, it will just break. Please advise.

I didn't break or strip it. It's like eferrel said in his answer below - it has popped out and needs to be pushed in again. The problem is there is very little room to get any leverage on it. Does anyone one know of a trick or method that works well. Please only respond if you have specific experience with this particular Dodge engineered plug. I use the word engineered loosely. It must be designed to pop out like this and there must be method to "popping" it back in, such as it has to be oriented a certain way, etc.

Answer 1

if its not threaded you broke it off,,you must take it out and get a new bottom plastic tank,,i all ways just take off the bottom hose,to drain the radiator

Answer 2

2000 Dodge Caravan Radiator

Answer 3

Dodge Grand Caravan Radiator

Answer 4

Push in while turning. It has a coarse thread only requiring about 1/4 turn. When you open it it pops out of the threads.

Answer 5

Usually it's at the bottom of the radiator and it looks like a small "faucet," but some radiators don't even have them now. You can disconnect the bottom radiator hose (take it off) and it will do the job. Don' forget to connect it and check for leaks after you're done with flushing.

Answer 6

if youve ripped the tread off it get some silicone sealant and hammer it bk in, but it should really be dry to do that. silicone is good cos it will be watertight and you can still remove it without too much effort.

Answer 7

you turn it in to drain it and turn it out to close it.