Radiator drain tap

[ticktok]

Hello,much to my head scratching confusion i found that my radiator on my 71 1000 traveller was missing a drain plug on the rad when i wanted to drain it off,i had purchased a nice new copper type drain tap to fit in place of the plug,but alas not even a plug,so had to pull of the bottom hose instead.has any one had this prob...the rad looks to be in good nic so can only presume it is some sort of after market alteration..is this the case ,only had the car 18 months going on 2 years or so,is this the case with new rads now...

[les]

The boss that was used to accommodate the drain plug or bolt is probably still there but whoever manufactured the rad decided not to drill and tap for a bolt, no doubt thinking they could make more profit.

[firedrake1942]

Les is right. Some (Bull Motif) come with drain tap already fitted. On many of the others (not always the cheaper ones either) there is no plug simply a blank. It is worth asking the question when sourcing as to whether the plug / drain tap is present.

[kennatt]

to be honest its probably better without,because they often sieze up and overstraining to open can damage the rad. just as easy to loosen the bottom hose for drainage.Usually only once a year so not a great problem to do.

[Boomlander]

I agree - I fitted three drain cocks, all from different suppliers, to my newly reconditioned radiator and every sod leaked!
I fitted a simple blanking plug with PTFE tape on the thread instead and have no problem releasing it for drain downs and without putting strain on the precious brass bottom tank.