how to permanently seal rad drain plug?
03-18-2012 | 02:54 AM
#16
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver,BC
vancouver, Canada.
I had to take the rad out because the drain plug wouldn't come out. I broke the plug end and used tiny pliers to twist the rest out.
the threads still seem fine in the rad as a metal m10 x 1.5 bolt goes in.
I bought a metal bolt that fits and a plastic washer but I assume that without an o ring it will leak. i'm thinking of putting rtv sealant on both sides of the washer then hand tightening the bolt.
would a metal bolt be a bad idea? would it expand too much and break the plastic housing of the rad? also just hand tightening it i'm worried it might come loose. maybe I can put some silicone on the threads too but I don't want it coming off and clogging the rad.
I had to take the rad out because the drain plug wouldn't come out. I broke the plug end and used tiny pliers to twist the rest out.
the threads still seem fine in the rad as a metal m10 x 1.5 bolt goes in.
I bought a metal bolt that fits and a plastic washer but I assume that without an o ring it will leak. i'm thinking of putting rtv sealant on both sides of the washer then hand tightening the bolt.
would a metal bolt be a bad idea? would it expand too much and break the plastic housing of the rad? also just hand tightening it i'm worried it might come loose. maybe I can put some silicone on the threads too but I don't want it coming off and clogging the rad.
03-18-2012 | 05:28 AM
#17
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11,014
Likes: 20
From: San Francisco Area
A friend's radiator drain plug broke and was repaired with a bolt and jb weld. It didn't blow out, but it always leaked a little bit. I made it a little better by taking out the bolt and wrapping it with teflon tape.
Teflon tape is the real trick to a non-leaking radiator drain plug. You can even take the o-ring off the bolt.
One time my own drain plug broke, so I just threw away the head, took out the broken stub, wrapped it in teflon, put it back in, and did 2 years of DD and 2 track days, no problem.
Teflon tape is the real trick to a non-leaking radiator drain plug. You can even take the o-ring off the bolt.
One time my own drain plug broke, so I just threw away the head, took out the broken stub, wrapped it in teflon, put it back in, and did 2 years of DD and 2 track days, no problem.
03-18-2012 | 06:22 AM
#18
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver,BC
thanks, i'll try the teflon tape if it leaks in teh future.
I have already put the bolt it. I put rtv silicone on both sides of the washer on teh bolt and tightened it hand tight. I'm leaving it to dry overnight then installing the rad tomorrow. i was hoping the rtv on the washer will prevent it from leaking and keep the plug from coming loose.
will see what happens.
I have already put the bolt it. I put rtv silicone on both sides of the washer on teh bolt and tightened it hand tight. I'm leaving it to dry overnight then installing the rad tomorrow. i was hoping the rtv on the washer will prevent it from leaking and keep the plug from coming loose.
will see what happens.
03-18-2012 | 06:29 AM
#19
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,100
Likes: 7
From: Las Vegas, NV
you could try melting it together...lol
the drain plug plastic will soften if you stick a soldering iron in it - this is how you remove the threaded portion when the hex part breaks off. i'd imagine that not much more heat would start to goo the rad tank as well.
the drain plug plastic will soften if you stick a soldering iron in it - this is how you remove the threaded portion when the hex part breaks off. i'd imagine that not much more heat would start to goo the rad tank as well.
Hot glue (The high temp stuff.)
Metal bolt of correct size and pitch from Lowes. Get it hot with a little torch or lighter (Not super hot, but hot enough to keep the hot glue liquid for 30sec or so). Melt some hot glue all over it with a glue gun and thread it in the hole. If you get the correct glue stick, it will bond with the plastic of the radiator, and should effectively lock the threads of the bolt...
Just a thought.
Try this. Softening point is 195F, and its made for plastic.
