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Radiator drain plug

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ColinUK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ColinUK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Radiator drain plug
    Posted: 24-May-2020 at 12:45AM
Hi all, I want to drain the rad in my 351C for a coolant change but the drain plug looks pretty old and is on nice and tight... are there any tricks for undoing these without damaging them? Just to be clear, I’m talking about these:



Any advice or should I just give it the beans with a spanner?
ColinUK

71 Torino 351C squeezing through the British countryside
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stanman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stanman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-May-2020 at 1:56AM
Easier to disconnect the bottom rad hose IMO. Messing with that drain may lead to damaging the radiator. And nobody wants that!   Cry
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ColinUK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ColinUK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-May-2020 at 2:04AM
Thanks Stanman, that’s plan B - I just got annoyed I couldn’t shift that plug and wondered if I was overlooking some technique or whether mine was just way too tight. 

I’m sure I’ll end up just disconnecting the hose and giving myself a nice coolant shower in the end...
ColinUK

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Steve M. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steve M. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-May-2020 at 3:47AM
Yup. Plan B. 
  I was able to set up the catch basin underneath and work the hose from the side. Ended up replacing the hose. It was one of those "While I was there" decisions.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72FordGTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-May-2020 at 5:45AM
I use a small set of channel locks to loosen the rad petcock. They can grab it pretty easily without damaging it as long as it's not seized. However, if it is in rough shape, I do the lower rad hose method. If yours looks rough, the lower rad hose method might be a better option. If you are careful you can avoid the coolant shower. Otherwise you may end up having to replace it, or worse yet have to bring it to a rad shop to get fixed.
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Rockatansky View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-May-2020 at 6:28AM
i'm not afraid to use a little heat from a propane torch, in this case there is a need to keep the flame directed away from and the temp below that of softening any solder nearby. a micro torch might work better than the standard traditional blaster

brace the hex with a wrench and turn the petcock wings, using both of them with equal force, with a channel lock since it'll be warm


Edited by Rockatansky - 24-May-2020 at 11:38AM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-May-2020 at 7:44AM
there's a chance it seems seized because they loosen the opposite direction Shocked yes i usually use pliers or small channel locks Wink
JOHN
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ColinUK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ColinUK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-May-2020 at 8:02AM
nice one, thanks guys, I’ll have a crack at it tomorrow and let you know how I get on. Appreciate the advice.
ColinUK

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-May-2020 at 11:46AM
good catch V!

i always have to think about which way to turn the darn thing being upside down, backwards and opposite rotation


Yes the petcock in the pic above is open, screwed all the way inward clockwise as if to tighten.

in the closed position you'll see the internal threads exposed between the wings and the hex of the fitting,
clean those threads with a small brush and penetrant if possible before driving any corrosion inside

to close it you'd turn the wings counter-clockwise as if to loosen.
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