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MG MGF Technical - Radiator Bleed Screw-for info

The level of coolant was dropping slightly. I tracked it down to a leak at the radiator bleed screw. Strange, as the radiator hasn't ben touched for at least 12 months. When the car was cold, I slightly tightened the screw and it snapped. They are made of plastic.The coolant seeped out.
The car is a 1997 vvc. The parts dept bloke said they have had to order several of these screws over the past few months (not a stocked item). I wonder if the plastic in these screws deteriorates after a few years. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of.
Gareth Jones

The same happened to me a couple of months back - slight coolant leak, traced to the rad bleed screw, which just fell off when I touched it! They can be overtightened and snap, but I suspect that you are right and there is some age deterioration as well.
Dave

Yup, this happened to my '96 1.8i 18 months ago and also to Erik's car on last year's Treffen. A common problem - possibly due to lots of hot/cold cycles and poor materials specification?
David

btw, didn't Mike promise an improved month ago, made from Nylon ? ;)

Dieter <<-- _still_ looking forward to testing a sample :)
Dieter K.

Yes, happened on mine (98vvc) a few months ago. However this was more likely a result of dealership that carried out the coolant change the week before.
Neil Stothert

As David mentioned.. the part is needed in the life care pack of an F.
Normally is is swapped for a new one when the cooling system is bleed (told by several people, don't know if it is officially).
Erik

A spark plug (12x1,25mm, I think) fits as a temporary -or even permanent replacement for the radiator bleed plug.
Jon

It is, but remove the upper ceramics part of the spark plug be4 you smash down the front lid ;)
Dieter K.

Mine kept 'slipping ' when tightened....sure enough the lower threads are grey and 'crumbly.....plastic deteriorating. I couldn't tighten it enough to prevent leakage after bleeding the system

So, dodgy coolant caps and rad. bleed screws!
Charles Dundas

This thread was discussed between 14/10/2003 and 16/10/2003

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