I have a small but annoying problem:
My radiator leaks past the radiator drain plug
though the thread looks fine and I have already changed the
o-ring twice, trying different dimensions.
Has anyone ever had the same problem? Does anyone know a
torque figure for this plastic screw? Maybe I am just too
timid and did not apply enough torque?
My cooling system is otherwise fine, just cannot get the
drain plug tight.
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In reply to a message from Frank the cl sent Wed 18 May 2005:
Would it be stupid (of me, I mean) to suggest using plumber’s
(PTFE) tape to wrap around the thread? If it works for my central
heating radiators (and other hot water joints) in the house…–
The original message included these comments:
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No it would not be stupid but that assumes the leak is in the threads
and the threads are good not corroded. Also you have to be very careful
not to over tighten anything that has TFE tape on it especially if its
fine thread as it will slip easily over the TFE and spilt the component
it is being threaded into if you are not careful. One point to remember
is that plumbing threads are pipe threads and very coarse pitched.
Jay
JagFab wrote:
In reply to a message from Frank the cl sent Wed 18 May 2005:
Would it be stupid (of me, I mean) to suggest using plumber’s
(PTFE) tape to wrap around the thread? If it works for my central
heating radiators (and other hot water joints) in the house…
Visit the Jag Lovers homepage at http://www.jag-lovers.org for exciting services and resources including Photo Albums, Event Diary / Calendar, On Line Books and more !
Visit the Jag Lovers homepage at http://www.jag-lovers.org for exciting services and resources including Photo Albums, Event Diary / Calendar, On Line Books and more !
It’s been a long time and I don’t have the car anymore but finally I was able to find out that the drain plug was perfectly fine.
The leaking fluid came out of a very tiny leak above the plug and dripped down via the plug which obscured the whole matter.
The radiator leak was due to a head gasket leak (combustion gases leaking into the coolant).
I changed the radiator and then I went on blowing expansion tanks until I realized what was going on.
Hope you just have a damaged or corroded radiator and no head gasket problem.
Good luck!
Regards,
Frank
Frank Gerber
Im Rigi 25
CH-8636 Wald ZH
Switzerland
DD6 6.0 1995
XJ-S V12 5.3 Le Mans first series no. 50 1988/2