AidanT Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 Hi Has anyone found an alternative tap that fits our engines block coolant drain? I don't really want a plug but was thinking the radiator one might fit? Anyone know of anything else? Aidan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 Are you posting subliminal messages? Yes, I think the rad type does fit, but they are really are too small if there is a buildup of crud. And undoing a tap can be difficult (I have sheared a few) so a plug is usually the easier to use option. At least you can put a socket on it. And how often is it used? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 The radiator screwable tap does fit; but the larger brass taps are available from suppliers if anyone can confirm the thread size? A lot of other classics including stationary engines and tractors use them as well, but I suspect the size and thread may vary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 I've seen taps rather than plugs on GT6 mk1s Canley have a part number 602915, but no longer available. "drain tap 602915" in my search box reveals pictures, and that they're also fitted to Land Rovers. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanMi Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 I tried the new brass taps (part no 61478) first on e leaked so retuned as did no2 and 3 finally gave up and used a plug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris A Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 When I got my Herald it had the brass tap type, not the radiator drain type. It had become a little unreliable, easy to catch and open. Went out one day and after a few kilometres car started to overheat, tap was open! Cold water kindly supplied by nearby bistro. I ordered a plug! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 Did you know - the taps are simply a brass wedge set into the main body, with a hole through - turn it to the correct orientation and the water flows, otherwise it shouldn't. The seal is made by the spring at the bottom, pulling downwards so that the wedge seals, and it's tensioned by a washer and split pin. No rubber seals! The spring being metal rusts through and the tap is therefore useless; sadly, no-one supplies replacements that I'm aware of. I suppose, at that price, there's no point in repairing. Unless I can find a suitable spring in a box somewhere... but does anyone know the thread size? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 its like an old gas tap they were the same principle until flanders and swan "painted over the gas tap and we could turn it on " song Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris A Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 Thread size? Well from what has been said above :- Same as radiator drain tap Same as drain plug simple no 🙊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AidanT Posted March 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 Its 1/4" BSP if anyone else wants to know - I have now found plenty of alternatives Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted March 19, 2021 Report Share Posted March 19, 2021 1 hour ago, AidanT said: Its 1/4" BSP if anyone else wants to know - I have now found plenty of alternatives Thanks Bet ya didn't find this one! Appeals to me, for some reason... https://www.holden.co.uk/p/radiator_drain_valve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AidanT Posted March 21, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 I do like that Colin. I have found another, I know not triumph standard but it's more like tap with a spout! Easier to catch the water when changing the coolant! Aidan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanMi Posted March 21, 2021 Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 On 19/03/2021 at 13:16, Colin Lindsay said: Did you know - the taps are simply a brass wedge set into the main body, with a hole through - turn it to the correct orientation and the water flows, otherwise it shouldn't. The seal is made by the spring at the bottom, pulling downwards so that the wedge seals, and it's tensioned by a washer and split pin. No rubber seals! The spring being metal rusts through and the tap is therefore useless; sadly, no-one supplies replacements that I'm aware of. I suppose, at that price, there's no point in repairing. Unless I can find a suitable spring in a box somewhere... but does anyone know the thread size? those are available new part no 61478 but I had 3 from Moss and sent them all back as they leaked that was a few years back so maybe they have sorted the problem https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-61478 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Truman Posted March 21, 2021 Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 On a local trading estate we have a small spring manufacturer/retailer, I just go down there with my bits showing him what is needed he vanishes for a couple of minutes comes back with a S/S replacement spring I give him $5 and all fixed! I have fixed several block coolant taps and have a couple of spares ready for any engine rebuilds. The spring is the only thing that can fail in the tap assembly, so they are always restorable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted March 21, 2021 Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 56 minutes ago, Peter Truman said: The spring is the only thing that can fail in the tap assembly, so they are always restorable. I reckon that but for lockdown I'd have a local source of them already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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