[Healeys] Frustrated - coolant leak at drain tap

[Mirek and Gwen Sharp]

Rich,

The fuel taps for vintage motorcycles are quite similar in construction to 
the coolant drain tap on a Healey and they are still manufactured.  One of 
the biggest suppliers is Surrey Cycles in the UK.  Orders from them reach me 
in about 7 days.  You might try to see if they can just sell you a spring or 
two, or perhaps they have some old taps they will part with cheaply.  Here 
is their coordinates http://www.amalcarburettors.co.uk/spares_01.htm

cheers,  Mirek



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rich C" <richchrysler at quickclic.net>
To: "Alan" <alanb at nfahc.co.uk>; "'Linwood Rose'" <linwoodrose at mac.com>; 
"'Healey List'" <healeys at autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2008 6:30 PM
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Frustrated - coolant leak at drain tap


> Hello all,
>
> Further to the coolant drain tap leak, I have an original drain tap here
> that would be fine if the little tension spring at the end (that maintains
> the required tension to keep the tapered male barrel tight into the female
> tap body) wasn't rotted away. I've been looking for a small steel tension
> spring to replace it with no luck so far. It's this tension spring that
> keeps these assemblies from leakiong.
> Any suggestions?
>
> Rich Chrysler
>
>>
>> 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
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