[Healeys] Frustrated - coolant leak at drain tap

[Alan]

Hey Lin.
I would suggest two options.
1 - the hard way: Strip the assembly and lap the conical tap piece into the
body with fine grinding paste followed by metal polish. When it all looks
nicely matt, grease it and reassemble.
2 - the easy way. Ditch the sucker and replace it with a BSP plug. Seal it
with PTFE and forget it.

Just my two penn'orth
 _______________________________________________
(______________  Alan Bromfield  _______________)
   (______     \____1957-BN4 ___/    _______)
          (_________________________)
            http://www.nfahc.co.uk
        http://www.healey-weekend.com  

-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces+alanb=nfahc.co.uk at autox.team.net
[mailto:healeys-bounces+alanb=nfahc.co.uk at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
Linwood Rose
Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2008 9:01 PM
To: Healey List
Subject: [Healeys] Frustrated - coolant leak at drain tap

As many of you know, I just about have my restoration complete.  
However, I encountered a problem this week that I have yet to solve.  
The water drain tap (not the heater valve) begins to leak when I get  
to about 165 degrees. Slow drip at first and then more rapid. Coolant  
all over the garage floor!

I was using the original drain tap, so I ordered a new one to try. It  
leaks also!!!!

Have others of you encountered this? What suggestions do you have for  
fixing this. I can take it out and give the end a whack with a punch  
to try to "set" it in the valve. It is not easy to get to as it is  
behind the exhaust headers, heat shield and carbs. I did find that I  
can approach it from the front of the car.

I need help!!!

Lin
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye