Radiator drain tap: series 1, 4.2 FHC 1966

[Erikantwerp]

Hi all,

When I was under the car draining the radiator (see my previous post here re. header tank replacement) , I found that the drain tap actually was no tap but a bolt whereas the parts manual lists/shows a "tap". I was just wondering. Can anyone enlighten me if, for a 1966 series 1, 4.2 (not 2+2) this is "original" or should this be a genuine "tap", i.e. like the one you have on the side of the engine block ?

Many thx for any feedback
cheers
Erik

[Heuer]

Erik

I think the early cars (3.8's) had the tap, later cars have the bolt.

[chris6315]

Erik, I have also a 1966 series 1, 4.2 FHC and there is a tap, the same as on the side of the engine block.
Chris

[Erikantwerp]

David,
Chris,
many thx for your replies but...the mistery continues... :)

cheers
Erik

[Heuer]

Erik

As far as I can see from the various parts books all S1/2 cars should be fitted with a radiator drain tap (3.8 = C2354, 4.2 = C25126, S2 has a different tap again) and they are readily available from the usual suppliers. My car has a Cambridge Motorsports alloy radiator with a bolt instead of a tap, presumably the preferred option for racing. So another thing to add to you 'to do' list - you just need to think if you can do it without draining the system again :?

[Moeregaard]

Both of my Series One E-Types have/had taps. I replace these with a pipe plug that has its head drilled for safety wire, and wire in in place. This way I never have to give it a second thought until it's time for a coolant change. I believe the factory tuning manual suggests doing this with both the radiator and block drains.

[Erikantwerp]

David,
Mark
many thx for your helpful replies. I guess I will stick for now with my "bolt" for the same reasons Mark mentioned.


cheers
Erik