Drain cock leak, best fix?

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(Bedford 28hp) I've got a water leak from the thread of the main drain cock from the block. Too much for me to ignore. I'm conscious that this is a bit of old cast metal and I'm reluctant to lean too heavily on it with a spanner for fear of breaking it, as at first swing it feels very solid - despite the fact it is leaking! Which route - give it a damn good external mechanical and chemical clean and then apply something to bung it up, or further soak it in penetrating oil for another week and then have another swing? I did think of running it to get the whole lot hot and then cooling the tap with cold water soaked rags to help break the seal. Opinions /suggestions invited.

[Richard Farrant]

(Bedford 28hp) I've got a water leak from the thread of the main drain cock from the block. Too much for me to ignore. I'm conscious that this is a bit of old cast metal and I'm reluctant to lean too heavily on it with a spanner for fear of breaking it, as at first swing it feels very solid - despite the fact it is leaking! Which route - give it a damn good external mechanical and chemical clean and then apply something to bung it up, or further soak it in penetrating oil for another week and then have another swing? I did think of running it to get the whole lot hot and then cooling the tap with cold water soaked rags to help break the seal. Opinions /suggestions invited.

 

 

If the tap works, ie, opens and shuts, but you cannot remove it from the block for fear of shearing off or stripping threads, then why not resort to a sealer in the coolant. The best one I use is K-Seal, it works with antifreeze, so just add the bottle to the rad. It does not block the core, like the old dog turds, sorry, Barseal :-D

[Tony B]

If you can get in there. I've used Quick Steel to repair an alloy sump, a hole about 1/2 inch square with great sucess., The usual Plastic Padding was usless, wouldn't go off with the oil. The Quick Steel is easy to use, just breack off a lump and rub till coulor changes, will also go off underwater, with oil and other contamination. Comma Frost bite is good stuff for that situation. Spray just the drain cock.

Edited March 11, 2010 by Tony B

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Cheers fellas!