I tried removing it yesterday with a 3/4" drive socket, a 3/4" strong arm and a 4 foot long cheater pipe but could not budge it. So will give up for now and just use the lower radiator hose heater once the correct size one arrives later this week 1-1/2". Have not tried to put the coolant back in yet since I already cut the radiator hose. The 1-3/4" one proved to be too big.
Will not know until then if the core plug is leaking. If it does I will take more drastic measures to get it out.
Any suggestions?