Radiator drain tap

[jagnut66]

Hi,
Does anyone know where I can get hold of a radiator drain tap and are they any good or am I better off just removing the plug whenever I want to drain my radiator?
Many thanks,
Mike.

[les]

It makes draining the rad a lot cleaner in so much as the water can be directed away from the engine bay via a connecting tube rather than soaking into all the nooks and crannies. Some may say they seize up from lack of use but I've not found this.

[Dean]

I have one, but it's seized up through lack of use.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I would say YES get 2 drain taps - one for the block and one for the rad. They make the job so much easier. Not sure where you can obtain them though.

To cure seizing: work the tap open and closed rapidly every few weeks. It is only coolant after all. Also oil the tap as there is a steel spring underneath which is part of the mechanism.

[les]

I have one, but it's seized up through lack of use.

Some do say that!

[jagnut66]

Hi,
Thanks for the advice, I have spotted a Rad tap on eBay for an MG, hopefully they are the same thread size.....
Best wishes,
Mike.

[Boomlander]

ESM sell the Engine drain tap for £12.95 + VAT and the Radiator drain tap for £7.50 + VAT. [frame][/frame]

[Matt Tomkins]

i stripped and re built my seized block drain tap, ans when i reassembled, used copperslip on the mating edges. -- not sure of the construction of the rad taps -- would this be possible?

[jagnut66]

ESM sell the Engine drain tap for £12.95 + VAT and the Radiator drain tap for £7.50 + VAT.

Thanks for the info - cheaper than eBay..............

i stripped and re built my seized block drain tap, ans when i reassembled, used copperslip on the mating edges. -- not sure of the construction of the rad taps -- would this be possible?

I don't think you should use copper grease (or slip) in radiators (apart from the bolts that hold them in place of course) but I stand to be corrected on this............. anyone??
Best wishes,
Mike.