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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
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  #1  
Old 21 May 2010
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Radiator drain plug leaking
My drain plug bolt is leaking (KLE500). What should I do? Try some tread locking glue? Get a new bolt? I was hoping to use the bike next Tuesday for a 200 mile trip so if I order parts they probably won't get here on time.

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Old 21 May 2010
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It won't be the bolt.. There will be a crush washer (copper or aluminium). That probably just needs replacing.

If you can't get hold of one (any bikeshop will have them), you can soften the old one with a blow torch and tighen it while its still warm.

Don't use thread lock ! It's too wet for it in there.
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Old 21 May 2010
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Thanks Ted.

Would silicone work? Short term?
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Old 21 May 2010
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Maybe. The other thing you can try is PTFE tape - the stuff plumbers use on domestic radiator joints.

If you can't find a blowtorch, then dropping the washer in a pan of boiling water for a few miinutes will also help soften it.
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Old 22 May 2010
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Originally Posted by TommyT View Post
Thanks Ted.

Would silicone work? Short term?
Maybe as an emergency repair. Not the best idea to have bits of gunge in your cooling system though. Go sparingly and only use it at near the head of the bolt.

PTFE tape as dave suggests would also work as would the boiling water technique. Pretty much any tool, bike, chandler shop should have soft washers !!
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Old 22 May 2010
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If it isn't the threads that are the problem you could probably make a temporary washer from the side of a cereal packet. Just cut a washer shape, put it over the bolt and screw it in (carefully so as not to tear the card). It'll work if the sealing surface is flat but not if it's recessed.
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Old 22 May 2010
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Originally Posted by dave ett View Post
Maybe. The other thing you can try is PTFE tape - the stuff plumbers use on domestic radiator joints.

If you can't find a blowtorch, then dropping the washer in a pan of boiling water for a few miinutes will also help soften it.
+1 on the PTFE tape.
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Old 23 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave ett View Post
Maybe. The other thing you can try is PTFE tape - the stuff plumbers use on domestic radiator joints.

If you can't find a blowtorch, then dropping the washer in a pan of boiling water for a few miinutes will also help soften it.
if its copper heat it over the kitchen hob till red hot and drop it in cold water. that'll soften it. if its ally then polish the two faces on a flat surface. also check the faces on the rad and the bolt, its unusual to get a leak there you may have had a dink from a stone?
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Old 23 May 2010
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Thanks a million for all the suggestions.
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