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Sounds like the same size as the drain plug in the bottom of the gas tank. I think David Bell may have some. Ask on the deTomaso list? http://realbig.com/mailman/listinfo/detomaso

Or you could re-tap for a 1/2" pipe thread.
22mm should be .866" but the gas tank plug that I have measures .857"
1/2" pipe nipple measures about .851"
1.5mm pitch is about 17 threads per inch. Pipe thread is 14 threads per inch
Check the archives; this exact question came up 3 months ago either here or on the DeTomaso Forum. I believe someone found a VW part that is the exact thread needed. Sorry, don't have the part number handy (don't run a Fluidyne, either....). Personally, I'd raise h... with Fluidyne until they included such plugs, or at least provide a source with each unit sold. I think all the Pantera vendors are aware of this problem & supply plugs with their Fluidyne radiators.
I asked this question a few months back and found the solution, I had my dad (who owns an autobody and auto mechanic shop) order those M22 plugs from NAPA auto parts, they have them. You two copper gasket as well for the plugs.

One advice, make sure you really tighten those bolts down or else you might think your radiator is leaking. What happen with mines was, the lower plug was leaking and I coudln't see it because the radiator hose was in the way, and I was looking on the bottom of the radiator and i thought both side of the weld area of the fluidyne radiator was leaking. So I took the whole radiator back out, did a pressure test and coudln't find a leak from those area, I found some air bubbles from the lower lower plug so I a wrentch to tighten it and it was still leaking. It was tightened after a copule hit with the impact gun. The leak disappeared and it was fine. I thought it was the weld on the bottom because the coolant apparently leaked from the lower plug down the side and onto the bottom of the radiator.

On the side of the picture below, it shows the plug and the gasket I used from NAPA for the plugs.


Ah apparently my previous post didn't get posted for some reason..

I used the copper gasket because that's what the guy at NAPA handed to me from the gasket and washer section. I personally would not use nylon as there's a lot of heat and the torque you have to tighten down on these bolts can easily squeeze a nylon washer out of proportion. Aluminum might work, but again, i personally believe copper is better for a gasket and washer.

But again let me say again, that make sure you use a power tool to tighten down those bolts, you will not strip it, and tightening down with your hand on a wentch didn't give me the torque needed to seal the bolts and washer from NAPA. I had to use the impact gun atlease 3 times to tighten it down, each time I could see the bolt move til it stopped. I almost returned the radiator because I thought it was a faulty welded one due to the leak.

Here's some pictures to entertain you guys of what happens when you warm up the engine and spray water around there to wash away all the coolant.. you get something that other people might think that your car is seriously overheating. heh heh heh..

-Larry



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