radiator bleed screw size? i've searched already!

duderanchero

it's not m8 x 1.25! i have a behr radiator. it's definitely smaller than m8, because i've already tried.

van cafe sells the washer, but not the screw. wtf.

thanks,
james

whip618 · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 9:43 pm Post subject:

I just checked my spare radiator which is the original to my syncro and it's an 8x1.25

Phil
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duderanchero · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:07 pm Post subject:

argh. yo no comprendo.

240Gordy · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:26 pm Post subject:

duderanchero · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:10 pm Post subject:

thanks for the offer, "m8"! (haha?) i am totally sure this isn't an m8 x 1.25. it's smaller than that. the only part number i can find on the rad that looks vw-like is 376 713 631. i got this one from van cafe. do i somehow have the wrong radiator?

???

Bercilak · Samba Member Joined: August 17, 2009 Posts: 391

Go to the hardware store.

Find a nut that screws onto your current radiator screw

Get a bolt that fits the nut, and is the same length as your radiator screw

Use a tool to incise the bleed cut in the radiator screw

Install screw

Repeat as necessary

B.

duderanchero · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:40 am Post subject:

thanks. that would have been the obvious route if i had a bleed screw to take to the hardware store. unfortunately, it's now lost inside the radiator.

?Waldo? · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 3:32 am Post subject:

Yuh huh. It is to an m8.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

I've dealt with many ranging in years from '82 (diesel) to late waterboxer and they have ALL been 8x1.25 (12mm long).

duderanchero · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 4:13 am Post subject:

okay, okay--it's an m8! now that i finally have the original screw to compare it to (and several sambistas saying so--thanks, as always), i can be fairly sure of it. problem is, the plastic hole must have contracted drastically during my last overheat, and i couldn't pound an m8 through there with a hammer if i tried (i won't). my right brain is coming up with mostly comical solutions at this point, so i think i'd better shut my eyes and pick it up tomorrow.

Bercilak · Samba Member Joined: August 17, 2009 Posts: 391

duderanchero · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:39 pm Post subject:

bercilak, i had only the head and the unthreaded, topmost portion of the screw, which is much narrower than m8. plus, looking at the hole atop the radiator, i knew there was no way i was getting an m8 in there. i still have no idea how i'm gonna do it.

i'm wishing i still had access to a metalworking shop, because jb welding the screw back together (the two pieces fit back together perfectly) strikes me as the kind of dumb idea that usually gets me in trouble. i wonder why van cafe sells the washer, but not the screw? i'm guessing because the likeliness of anyone busting the screw is slim. well, i've done it twice! so there!

but thanks for your tip, which would have been useful if i'd had the screw for comparison.

?Waldo? · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:43 pm Post subject:

Van-cafe doesn't sell the bleeder bolt because every hardware store in the civilized world stocks them and the shipping alone from van-cafe would cose more than the bolt at the local hardware store.

duderanchero · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:54 pm Post subject:

but the ones from the hardware store won't be narrowed down at the top for smoother bleeding! and i don't have my own dremel.

i'm sure every hardware store in the civilized world (and i remind you, i'm in west texas...) also carries a comparable washer. that's why i find it weird that they'd sell the one and not the other.

IdahoDoug · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:54 pm Post subject:

Pick up an M8 thread chaser and clean the threads. Use thick grease in the grooves (fill them flush) to catch the plastic bits. Then pull the hoses and force flush with a hose to remove any you miss, though tiny plastic bits aren't much of a threat to things.

I can't see even an extreme overheat changing the dimensions of plastic 12 feet from the Vanagon's engine, BTW.

Doug
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BillM · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:57 pm Post subject:

I just checked my radiator from Van-Cafe. It's an 8x1.25 that's in it. It does look like it's threaded into the plastic before it hits the metal. Can you thread the bolt in? Did you perhaps bunged it up while drilling? From the way it sounds you break a lot of bolts. You should invest in a torque wrench and a good set of reverse drill bits. That way hopefully you'll stop breaking them and if you do a better way to get them out.

Bill with a 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" and a set with crows feet torque wrenches...

jbnova

Does anyone know the proper torque for the radiator bleed screw? Or have recommendations on how to proceed cautiously without breaking it? How tight do these need to be?

I ask, because mine doesn't crank down super tight. It gets tight, but then I can keep turning it with effort, and it has that "if I keep turning this bolt, it's gonna snap" kind of feeling. I've been known to snap copper bolts in the past (and CV bolts!).

While searching for a torque spec, I discovered that lots of folks have snapped them.

Once I know the correct torque, I'm thinking I'll go ahead and replace the bolt as I've probably already stressed it out.

Thanks!
_________________
1986 Westfalia Weekender
2wd; Bostig RG3
GoWesty (H&R) 1.5" Lift Springs + 0.5" pad in rear.
Bilstein Shocks
16" Mefros, Cooper Discoverer AT3 (215-70-16)

crazyvwvanman

No room for a torque wrench. It doesn't need to be very tight. It just plugs a hole. It tightens into brass threads molded into the plastic radiator. It is supposed to have a sealing washer that does the sealing work, not torque.

Mark

jbnova

That's super helpful. I just go easy on it.

Thanks!
_________________
1986 Westfalia Weekender
2wd; Bostig RG3
GoWesty (H&R) 1.5" Lift Springs + 0.5" pad in rear.
Bilstein Shocks
16" Mefros, Cooper Discoverer AT3 (215-70-16)

dobryan

Snug enough not to leak is all it needs. Not super tight at all.
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'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

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greebly

I have a used radiator here, you are welcome to the bleeder. PM me.


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radiator bleed screw size? i've searched already!
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