JB Welding the blue radiator plug on 944s

[TheStig]

I am tired of replacing these goofy little cheap plastic blue radiator plugs. I am now on my 3rd plug on my 944. Can I just get some JB Weld Waterwelder to seal this up?

I'm going home on a flat-bed today so I'm looking forward to permanently sealing that thing up for good when I get home.

[Jad]

Something wierd is happening. I have had 6 924/944's over the last 20+ years and have never had a single problem with that. Could your radiator have a crack there or stripped threads? Your cap not venting excess pressure? It seems to me that something is causing the problem and your welding it shut may cause bigger problems.

Just my $.02, good luck...

[TheStig]

The radiator is brand-spanking new. I've heard some Rennlisters have this issue.... could just be my luck. I also replaced every single thing in the cooling system of that car with the exception of the heater core.

[Steve Grosekemper]

The problem is you are putting it in too tightly.
It breaks when over-torqued so you don't strip out the radiator tank threads.

The proper torque is 43 INCH POUNDS!
That's only 3.6 ft.lbs.!!!!!!

Not much but all it needs.
This is for both the fine and coarse thread plugs.

[harnishclan]

I am piling on, five over 14 years and never a problem (with that part).

But JB weld the radiator drain? That is so NASCAR, why not silicone from Home Depot?

[TheStig]

I put a new one in and made sure it wasn't overtightened....more like finger tight. :p

I spoke to someone with the exact same issue on his brand new radiator too. Seeing that we both get our parts from the same source, there is a possibility that these plugs were already overtightened at the factory they were made at... bummer.