How does radiator drain valve work?

[JeffMoore64]

Original TC radiator, not sure if I should twist or lift the lever to drain radiator?

See attached photo

Jeff

[Steve Simmons]

Twist! It's probably jammed. You can also unscrew the whole valve from the radiator but be careful that you don't twist the fitting out of the radiator tank. Sometimes they can get pretty well stuck in there from old crystallized coolant. Once removed, it's easy to disassemble the valve to clean and lubricate it.

[Tom Lange, MGT Repair]

As Steve suggests, it is easy to twist off thin fittings in an old radiator. I STRONGLY recommend you remove the drain from the radiator, as it is probably so stuck closed that you will twist off the radiator fitting by trying to open the drain. Just remove it carefully, as Steve notes, then disassemble, clean and re-assemble. Your local hardware store may well have a replacement fiber gasket to fit, or order from Abingdon or Moss.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair

[Robert Brennan]

Jeff - Looks a bit tattered. I got some good advice on this forum when I inquired about my radiator flange leak. Pull it, get it cleaned and repaired at a good radiator shop and re-install it with new rubber washers on the bottom and new hoses. Never have to worry about it again.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=472&p=2094&hilit=ra ... ange#p2094

Bob Brennan
S. Freeport, ME
TC7794EXU

[JeffMoore64]

Thanks for the feedback. I just hope the valve unscrews with out cracking or damaging the radiator. That is my biggest concern.