werd
SILVER Star
I picked up a new radiator from Radiator Barn for my 1974 FJ40.
When installing the new radiator, I discovered the drain hole on the bottom of the radiator didn't quite line up with the drain access hole of radiator support frame.
Thankfully, I had removed the provided plastic, winged drain plug before I installed the radiator, if not I would have had to remove the radiator to unscrew the drain plug. Also, I could not have even gotten the plug in there without having to modify it and since it is plastic I would have probably rendered it useless.
Well, I searched and found that other Radiator Barn customers had also experienced this problem. So, I am posting my fix for future reference for others that experience this problem.
I took a trip to my local TrueValue to see what I could find. I was thinking I could get an 1/8" brass nipple and plug it for a drain, but the threads were not the same. So, I asked for advice and explained my problem to the guy that had been helping me out. Well, upon inspecting the plastic drain plug, the salesman noticed that it was 3/8" bolt thread.
Well, this fix was a little easier now. I picked up a 3/8" bolt and went home. Before installing, I first put on a fender washer, then I removed the gasket off the the plastic drain plug that came with the radiator to provide a seal. The bolt easily fit through the access of the support frame to the drain hole and could be tighten with a socket wrench.
I filled up the new radiator and took to test drive. No leaks.
Overall I am VERY satisfied with the new radiator and the speedy service of Radiator Barn. I ordered on Monday and had the replacement on Tuesday. I went with a 4 row model for $10 more. Free shipping too!
Also, I have to thank my "LOCALLY" owned TrueValue for the solution to my problem.
I hope this helps someone out one day.
When installing the new radiator, I discovered the drain hole on the bottom of the radiator didn't quite line up with the drain access hole of radiator support frame.
Thankfully, I had removed the provided plastic, winged drain plug before I installed the radiator, if not I would have had to remove the radiator to unscrew the drain plug. Also, I could not have even gotten the plug in there without having to modify it and since it is plastic I would have probably rendered it useless.
Well, I searched and found that other Radiator Barn customers had also experienced this problem. So, I am posting my fix for future reference for others that experience this problem.
I took a trip to my local TrueValue to see what I could find. I was thinking I could get an 1/8" brass nipple and plug it for a drain, but the threads were not the same. So, I asked for advice and explained my problem to the guy that had been helping me out. Well, upon inspecting the plastic drain plug, the salesman noticed that it was 3/8" bolt thread.
Well, this fix was a little easier now. I picked up a 3/8" bolt and went home. Before installing, I first put on a fender washer, then I removed the gasket off the the plastic drain plug that came with the radiator to provide a seal. The bolt easily fit through the access of the support frame to the drain hole and could be tighten with a socket wrench.
I filled up the new radiator and took to test drive. No leaks.
Overall I am VERY satisfied with the new radiator and the speedy service of Radiator Barn. I ordered on Monday and had the replacement on Tuesday. I went with a 4 row model for $10 more. Free shipping too!
Also, I have to thank my "LOCALLY" owned TrueValue for the solution to my problem.
I hope this helps someone out one day.