[Healeys] Frustrated - coolant leak at drain tap

[Linwood Rose]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my enquiry. I gave the original  
drain tap a little help with a hammer and punch and reinstalled. It  
seems to be working fine!

Lin
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye

On Feb 16, 2008, at 6:25 PM, Alan wrote:

> 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