BX Radiator drain

[JWE]

Last week I performed scheduled maintenance on my BX2200 radiator (drain – flush – flush - refill). The radiator has a drain plug on the bottom of the radiator that is surrounded by a couple of cables. It is not hard to get the plug out but the fluid drains directly onto a flat area of the frame and then disperses over a wide area (making a mess). I’ve tried all sorts of channels and hoses but nothing that I’ve tried works well. I would like to be able to drain the fluid directly into a jug via hose. It sure would be nice if I could find a petcock valve to replace the plug. So far, I have tried the local auto parts stores and one radiator shop but they did not have a petcock with the proper thread. I believe the plug is 10 mm, course thread. I found a place online that had hundreds of drain valves but none with metric threads. I even looked for a 10 MM adapter that would go from 10 mm to standard pipe thread. If I could find an adapter then I could use a common automobile petcock.

Has anyone added a radiator drain valve to their BX? If so, where did you get the parts?

John

 

[wjmst]

I posted a question about the BX Radiator drain a few months ago, just looking for any tips or tricks to avoid the huge mess it makes. I didn't get any responses from it, so I am anxious to hear what your solution might me. Let us know what you figure out.

Wes

 

[KennyV]

John, Wes...
You can find adaptors at any well equipped auto parts place… they are commonly used to change sending units (water temp, oil pressure/temp), on engines… KennyV.

 

[JWE]

KennyV

I stopped at the local NAPA and Advanced Auto and they said that they did not have any adaptors like that. I guess I need to make another visit and be a little more assertive.

I'll let you know how I make out.

John

 

[KennyV]

John...
If no local parts house has the adaptor you need… almost any small machine shop can make you what you need using a plug, drill a hole in it, then tap the needed threads in the hole. KennyV.

 

[DieselPower]

MSC Industrial Supply Co. has everything you need to do the conversion. I have had to do this a couple of times before. Pick your choice of drain valve here in NPT (SAE thread). Then pick the metric to NPT adaptor to fit your drain hole and the drain valve you pick.

Don't forget to order your free catalog (or should I say 20 pound brick) from them to. It's a invaluable tool to have for any Mr. Fix it.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

JWE,

When you have it all figured out give us the part numbers, mine needs the service too .

 

[JWE]

DieselPower... thanks for the great information.

Kenny & Tom

I think the adapter in the attachment may be what we need but I am not sure. I'm not sure that the RAD plug is NPT. It may be a standard bolt thread because it has a rubber washer as a seal; I don't think it is tapered. I did not see any couplings that have standard metric (male) and NPT female thread. Another concern is that the existing plug is PVC. Not sure if it is OK to use stainless steel.

Item# 84433465, I think the page # was 4179.

What are your thoughts?

John

 

[DieselPower]

If the fitting in your radiator is straight thread and has a O-ring it might be a JIC fitting. Stop by your local Caterpillar diesel engine shop and see if they can find you a fitting. Cat engines are covered in JIC fitting's so there is a chance they might have what you need. Most hydraulic repair shops also carry JIC fitting's. Worth trying them to.

 

[KennyV]

If you are sealing on a washer, you are right it is not a taper thread… you need to take the plug to anyone with a metric thread gage, find out what you need and locate or have an adaptor made… metal plastic or anything will work, your temperature will never see 200 degrees at the bottom of the radiator… also the pressure will be low, so almost anything with the right thread combination will work. KennyV.

 

[JWE]

KennyV

I am 90% sure that the plug is 10 mm. I won't be taking the plug out for another two years (next scheduled maintenance). Maybe Tom can verify the plug thread when he does his maintenance.

John

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Will take a look when I do it in a few weeks. Almost time to switch from lawn to snow mode first frost today.

JWE what kind of antifreeze did you use? I have some of the yellow bottle stuff from the last time I did it.

 

[ericbx1500]

Hey Tom Gooooooo Tigers.

 

[ozzie tractor]

the plug is most likely 10mmx1.25 pitch, the likely hod of it being tapered or jic is fairly low, how about a 100 hose tail and a length of small heater hose, then another hose tail with a plug screwed onto it, that way you can swing the hose out from its position and drain the coolant directly into a jug, very similar to what bobcat use for there engine oil drain. you would have to make shure you had somewhere to tuck it up out of harms way when using the machine but, just a suggestion.

 

[LRH]

KennyV

I stopped at the local NAPA and Advanced Auto and they said that they did not have any adaptors like that. I guess I need to make another visit and be a little more assertive.

I'll let you know how I make out.

John

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KennyV said "well equipped" parts places. most are not going to know what you are talking about ; even good counter people because what you are doing is not an everyday thing. The industrial supply houses are a better choice, but NAPA does have them. just ask for the Balkamp 700-xxxx catalog or the performance catalog and go to the Stewart-Warner and/or VDO gauges and this is where you will find these adaptors. Most plastic tanked and some import metal tanked radiators use as said 12mm x 1.25 or 12mm x 1.5 with a sealing washer at the head.

EDIT: here is a kit with 3 metric to 1/8 pipe : 701-1546 NAPA Balkamp (supplied by Stewart Warner) contains : 10mm x1.0, 12mm x 1.5, 14mm x1.5. AutoMeter/Autogage also offer adapters. You will have better luck at a "performance" type store or even "ricer" type where kids are hopping up imports.