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JB Welding the blue radiator plug on 944s

Posted:
Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:52 am
by 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.


Posted:
Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:05 pm
by 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...

Posted:
Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:16 pm
by 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.

Posted:
Fri Dec 14, 2007 6:17 pm
by 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.

Posted:
Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:23 pm
by 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?

Posted:
Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:50 pm
by 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.