Cooling System Drains in Radiator Tubes - Best Approach?

rockyMember

I have some replacement Stainless (not polished) tubes under my car.

I purchased Stainless O2 sensor bungs, and was considering having them welded into my cooling tubes.....

SS O2 Sensor Bungs

Questions:

1. Is this the best way to do it?

2. Is this a TIG welding job?

3. Is there a brass fitting or something I could use for a standard petcock? How do I attach it into the tube?

I have seen the short Summit Water tubes with petcocks in them, but I don't want to shorten my existing tubes.

Thanks -

Rocky

6/14/1612:43 PM

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jfb05177Member

I would think having them TIGed would be the best.

I like the ideal of the gasket plug. I would go to the low point where the tubes turn up for the radiator. Thus lifting the rear, would get a good drain.

6/14/164:16 PM

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plt-1Member

Yes, I agree... Tig is always the best. Also if you are going to use dissimilar metals then I would use thick Teflon and just snug it until it stops dripping. I will be switching my SS tubes out for aircraft aluminum/blue hose next build and I will also incorporate the drain you describe....
Great improvement... handy once a year.

6/14/165:21 PM

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edgeMember

Here is an example of how I made drains on my Pantera.
A couple of stainless bosses Tig welded into the stainless coolant pipes just below the radiator.
They are tapped 1/4" NPT & Earls Aluminium blanking plugs used.
regards,
Tony.