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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Radiator Drain Position

(I'm cross-posting this on the "other" T-Forum)

How can I position the new brass drain in my TF radiator correctly - vertically?

> With no fiber washer the outlet points up. (top photo)
> With the included fiber washer under the drain, the outlet points to the left. (bottom photo)

> The fiber washer is 0.060" thick.
> A 0.020" feeler gauge between the drain and the radiator will allow the drain outlet to point down - vertically.

Don't think that I could sand the fiber washer to 0.020"

Will a 0.016" brass shim and some Hylomar on both sides of the shim, plus some Permatex Thread Sealant with PTFE on the threads of the drain seal against leaks?

Suggestions?

I'm in a rush to install the radiator, and other parts to attend GOF-South this month.
https://www.gofsouth.org/

Thanks for your help,

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211





LM Cook

Lonnie I believe you have a replacement drain cock. The original should be the same as a TD. It is straight with a threads on both ends. The exit is then attached to a piece of copper tubing roughly in the shape of a question mark facing downward. That way the handle works in any final position. I probably have one in one of my spare radiators if you want to go that route.
W A Chasser

Hi Bill -

A TD drain would be too easy!! TFs changed the drain to the curved one.

Image from TF Operation Manual.

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211

LM Cook

Lonnie
Check "The Original MG TF Gallery" look at TF9052
picture 101 in the engine compartment series shows an original tap

Contrary to normal set up, the tap is closed when the handle is in line with the bore. This means that if mounted 90 deg out it will fail in an open position, not good.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Ya know Ray …
I noticed the position when I posted the image from the Operation Manual.

I may be able to salvage my old drain. If so, then I can install it “right side up” and also have the lever in the correct position.

Thanks for the info.

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211
LM Cook

Lonnie
A copper washer should work ok there , they'd be available in all sorts of sizes- .020" = 0.5mm a fairly common size here.

willy
William Revit

Success !!

My thanks to all of you for your suggestions to make my reproduction TF radiator drain point downward.

And a special thanks to Ray Lee who reminded me that the lever on the original drain points forward when the drain is off, instead of 90-deg to the side, like most valves. I thought that my original radiator drain was broken because of the position of the lever. I cleaned it up and re-installed. Of course it points downward because it did so when I removed it.

I'm happy. The drain is pointing the right direction and the block drain and radiator drain are both original, not reproductions.

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211


LM Cook

Original is always the best. :-)

Glad you found the solution.
Christopher Couper

This thread was discussed between 07/04/2023 and 09/04/2023

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