Radiator Drain Valve

[memphis]

Hi All,

I received my new radiator drain valve from MOSS yesterday. Installed it last night. I was counting on being one of the "lucky ones" that got one that didnt leak.

Thanks to this website and Roger, I only installed a couple quarts of new fluid and let it sit overnight. Normally, I would have just installed all the fluid and started it up!

Anyway, thanks to Roger, and his warning about leaking valves from MOSS... he was right! I got one that leaked!

It leaks from the side spring area of the valve. It doesnt leak at the fiber washer or at the actual drain hole.

It is clearly a defect. I called and reported it to MOSS today and they on top of it!

Hopefully the next batch will have this corrected....

Thanks again for everyones ongoing help in the maintenance and restoration of our Healeys!

Bob

 

[Keoke]

Just tap it lightly on the center of the handle side and it will stop leaking I think.--Fwiw-Keoke

 

[tahoe healey]

If you take off the spring and push out the brass insert and add some lubricant (even Vaseline will work) you can get a good seal. Almost any valve will need this when new. The lubricant that it comes with dries on the shelf.

 

[memphis]

Here is a picture of the valve and leak...

Bob

 

[Rob Glasgow]

Bob, What color is your car? It looks almost the same color as the engine paint.

 

[Keoke]

Yep that is typical. However, you see that little ball that the short handle fits into, just tap it on that little ball and it may stop. Course it is going to get plugged up with small silt soon and stop anyway. --Fwiw--Keoke

 

[memphis]

Bob, What color is your car? It looks almost the same color as the engine paint.

Hi Rob,

The color is Aston Martin, California Sage Green Metallic.

https://picasaweb.google.com/118135048461924911594

Regards,
Bob

 

[tahoe healey]

Guys, this is a slip fit and if its dry it will never seal tight. You also don't want to scratch or score the internal brass parts. This should have been done prior to installation. If you do tap it be careful you don't distort the rad or loosen the valve to rad seal. At this point, I would first try to open and close the valve several times to see if you can get the shaft wet as the coolant will have some lubrication effect. It may work since coolant is suppose to keep the water pump lubed.

 

[Jerry]

I like the color! Very pretty.
Jerry
BN4
BJ8

 

[AUSMHLY]

Bob,
Sorry to hear you got one that leaks. Must have come out of the batch I got years ago. As I mentioned on another post, Moss sent me replacements 3 times.

OK, I give up. It's off to the hardware store.

For a fraction of the price, I purchased one from OSH. Installed it and it worked. What... a plug and play, that's just not right.

Roger

 

[memphis]

Hi Roger,

"OSH", is that a place that I can order on line, call?
Can you provide a phone number, part number?

Thanks!
Bob

 

[AUSMHLY]

Hi Roger, "OSH", is that a place that I can order on line, call?
Can you provide a phone number, part number? Thanks! Bob

Hi Bob,
OSH is Orchard Suppy Hardware.
If you'll provide me with the tread size, I'll take a drive to OSH and get the part number for you.
Cheers,
Roger

 

[memphis]

Thanks Roger!

I think I got this solved!

I tried the "slight tap" method, this didnt work for my particular valve.

This morning, I took the valve apart (very simple, no seals, its a pressure fit!) I then regreased, repacked the valve on the outer side under the larger brass washer with some plumbers grease, and waa-laa, a nice water tight seal. Thanks for the suggestion tahoe healey.

Actually, thanks to all that helped on this one!

Just about wore this topic out, but now we know what works on the MOSS valve.

Thanks again Roger for the offer to go to your hardware store!
Bob

 

[GregW]

Thanks again Roger for the offer to go to your hardware store!
Bob

Something tells me Roger will find another excuse so he can go. :wink:

 

[memphis]

Well, had to talk too soon! While I was typing the earlier post, it started to leak again!

Roger, we need you! I'll post the thread size after I pull if back off again. This piece of "crap" is going back to MOSS.

Hopefully they can figure out the issue....

Bob

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Any chance lapping the ball and seat with, say, valve lapping compound would help?

 

[memphis]

Hi Roger, "OSH", is that a place that I can order on line, call?
Can you provide a phone number, part number? Thanks! Bob

Hi Bob,
OSH is Orchard Suppy Hardware.
If you'll provide me with the tread size, I'll take a drive to OSH and get the part number for you.
Cheers,
Roger

Hi Roger, looks 1.25mm thread pitch. Diameter is 12.9mm.
Thanks! Bob

 

[AUSMHLY]

Bob,
I stopped in OSH today, and they no longer carry it. Bummer.

So I did a little research and found what I think is the same one.

From the photo, it looks to be a Edelmann - Drain Cock

Edelmann - Drain Cock
Part Number: 342400
Line: EDE
UPC: 21597605461
1/4" Npt

Guys, is that the correct size for a BJ8?

Other sizes are available.
Click HERE and Here

Roger

 

[John Turney]

That would be my next suggestion since tapping the end and regreasing didn't work. The valve uses a tapered plug which should lap quite well.