MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - radiator drain

I have thoroughly disassembled and cleaned the lower radiator valve on two different occasions. It still "weeps". The Moss one I bought is completely different and I find it a poor substitute. Can one restore the brass "faucet" to a no leak state? Thanks, Tom
Thomas McNamara

Sure. Remove the handle by removing the small cotter pin at the bottom. Note the position of the stops. Then use some fine grinding paste to smooth out both the cone shape on the handle core and the inside of the valve. Just lap them together lightly. Reassemble and you should have no more leaks.
Lew Palmer

Let's assume that that valve has been in the radiator untouched for 35+ years (same with the one on the engine block). What are the odds of getting either or both valves out without damaging the valves, the radiator or the block? What techniques/products can be employed to improve those odds? Thanks. Jud
J K Chapin

Jud,
My long-gone father-in-law was an old German farmer. He rebuilt many a farm implement, including tractor engines. Many years ago, he told me to use turpentine and a feather to "soak" the threads of bound bolts. He told me they would eventually come out without damage to the bolt, or to the head, or the block, or whatever held the bound bolt. It always worked for me....I think it's worth a try. Let us know if it works for you or not.
Cheers,
Frank
Frank Bice

Hey Lew, thanks for the idea. I used good old "Brasso" to polish/lap the male to female tapered parts and now, no leaks from my TD! The holy grail. Tom
Thomas McNamara

Frank, Thanks for the turpentine hint. I'll try it but it will probably be a couple of months before I get to it because 1) it ain't broke at the moment, 2) I want to get the lift installed and [this is the biggie] 3) I'm pretty far behind on the honey-do list. I'll let you know when I give it a try. Jud
J K Chapin

Jud, I've found Kroil to be an outstanding product for that sort of application. Bud
Bud Krueger

This thread was discussed between 01/11/2014 and 02/11/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now