Radiator pedcock
 

Bought a 4 core radiator a few months back and it had one of those plastic drain plugs in it, today I noticed it weeping. Can these plastic plugs be changed to a regular brass type, has anyone done it?

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

Someone will correct me if I am wrong but I believe those are not permanent and just used to keep the inside clean. Replace immediately upon purchase.

Bill

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

It has the wingnut design and will come out a little to drain like the newer vehicles as long as you aim it.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

I have one of those in the radiator I have in my truck. It's been in there for 14 years. It's a royal pain to get at, so fortunately mine doesn't leak. If it is supposed to be temporary, I did not know that.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

Not the best pic but I don't think this is a temporary plug. Had to drain some of the antifreeze after I put the radiator in and ya better unscrew it quick and get it aimed down because it only has one hole on the side.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

Yup, that's what I have. It's a lame design. It has cheepniss (any Zappa fans around here?) written all over it.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

Some of those had o-rings in them . If this one doesn’t, bring the plug to your local auto parts store. See if you can find a oil drain plug gasket/washer that will fit it.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

No definitive comments yet but I would install a brass petcock in it.

Bill

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

That's what I'd like to do just wanted to find out if anyone has done one like this before I go draining the radiator.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

I also had one in my '68 Skylark hot rod. You have to keep turning it, like Bill said, to get it to line up so that it is pointing down. While you are doing that, it's going to spew coolant everywhere. Not too high up, of course, but there is going to be coolant everywhere. I usually siphon repeatedly to clean the cooling system on my truck, or just pull the lower hose. That plastic petcock is really an annoyance.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

All or most of the repop companies. For instance, Classic Industries K0085 brass petcock 1962-2008, and probably most of the parts stores too.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

Like the visible strings?

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

Walked in to the shop this morning to a small puddle on the floor where the drain was so had no choice and replaced it. Funny thing was when I took it out it had a plastic stringer that went in the radiator so you can't lose it. Went to three parts places before I found one and it was chrome plated.

Re: Radiator pedcock
 

:lol: And the 2 X 4 that the monster is mounted on. Funny stuff!