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Radiator drain tap

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:34 pm
by 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.

Re: Radiator drain tap

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:51 pm
by 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.

Re: Radiator drain tap

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:04 pm
by Dean
I have one, but it's seized up through lack of use.





:lol:

Re: Radiator drain tap

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:09 pm
by 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.

Re: Radiator drain tap

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:21 pm
by les
Dean wrote:I have one, but it's seized up through lack of use.





:lol:
Some do say that!

Re: Radiator drain tap

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:42 am
by 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.

Re: Radiator drain tap

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:13 am
by Boomlander
ESM sell the Engine drain tap for £12.95 + VAT and the Radiator drain tap for £7.50 + VAT. :D[frame]Image[/frame]

Re: Radiator drain tap

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:18 am
by 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?

Re: Radiator drain tap

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:28 pm
by 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.............. :D
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.