Chris Hubball Posted November 2, 2019 Report Share Posted November 2, 2019 Gentlemen I need to replace the worn and leaking block tap on my TR4, is there a better alternative available than the standard one from the usual suppliers and if so who supplies them ? Cheers Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waldi Posted November 2, 2019 Report Share Posted November 2, 2019 Chris, my tap (tr6) was serviceable, so I cleaned it, oiled it, and installed it back. But if it would not, I would have replaced by a simple brass drain plug, no hesitation. How often do you open it, and when you do for like flushing, you will have to remove it for better flow, less plugging. So of limited value to have a tap, I feel. Also, if the brass tap lever is hit, either during maintenance work or something while driving, the engine would drain it’s coolant. Whatever you decide, make sure to clean the thread in the engine, because there may (will) be corrosion, preventing the new tap or plug to be screwed in properly. Do a dry fit first, it should screw in by hand easily. Regards, Waldi Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sadman Posted November 2, 2019 Report Share Posted November 2, 2019 A question from me regarding thread size for the tap, is it 1/4'' bsp? before I do any damage to my block. I'm going to put a brass plug in mine for same reason Doug Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisR-4A Posted November 2, 2019 Report Share Posted November 2, 2019 Most engine builders just plug the hole, for draining water it's easier to remove bottom rad hose. If engine has been rebuilt recently plug is good for prob 10years. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Z320 Posted November 2, 2019 Report Share Posted November 2, 2019 (edited) 1/2" UNF on my TR4A, also the new plug I bought in 2010 from "Bastuck". I now use a modern ball valve with an adapotor 1/4" BSP x 1/2" UNF Edited March 2, 2020 by Z320 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris Hubball Posted November 2, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2019 That is what I had in mind does anyone know of a supplier in the UK. Cheers Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Z320 Posted November 2, 2019 Report Share Posted November 2, 2019 If you make shure the thread on your engine is 1/2" UNF I send you the adaptor as a present. The ball valve 1/4" and the hose nipple 1/4" you get by eBay. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave McDonald Posted November 2, 2019 Report Share Posted November 2, 2019 5 hours ago, Z320 said: 1/2" UNF on my TR4A, also the new plug I bought in 2010 from "Bastuck". I now use a modern ball valve with an adapotor 1/4" BSP x 1/2" UNF I have same fittings on my race TR6. Been on for 20 years and still functions well when strip engine for refreshing every 4 - 5 years. I will install similar on my TR5 road car which I am currently restoring. Dave McD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris Hubball Posted November 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2019 Gentlemen Thanks for the advice and offer, I have found a NOS one in the garage so I will give it a try. Thanks again Cheers Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted November 4, 2019 Report Share Posted November 4, 2019 About 3 quid a pop - But you need to make an adaptor to fit the cylinder block. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ball-Valve-1-4-bsp-Female-Female-Air-Compressor-hose-/120676715987 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.