308 stripped radiator bleeder | FerrariChat
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308 stripped radiator bleeder

Discussion in '308/328' started by ccashen, Aug 25, 2011.

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  1. ccashen

    ccashen Karting

    Oct 2, 2007
    64
    #1 ccashen, Aug 25, 2011
    I was bleeding air from the radiator and stripped the bleed screw. Now it drips coolant. I stripped it years ago (no Wheaties jokes please), and my mechanic was able to re-thread it. There is not enough material left to rethread it this time.

    Does anyone know of a fix, short of another radiator? My mechanic says he can remove the bleeder screw housing and solder a new bleeder screw housing in the same spot, which should look pretty close to original - provided he can find a something to mimic the bleeder housing.

    Thoughts?

    Thanks.

    Chris
     
  2. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,259
    Black Forest Germany
    Full Name:
    Martin N.
    #2 Martin308GTB, Aug 25, 2011
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2011
    Have someone with a lathe make you a new bleeder screw housing in 10 minutes out of a piece of brass, which your mechanic can solder in.
    How did you strip the thread twice ? It is just a knurled thumb screw. No tools please :)
    You say, there's no material left for re-threading. In such cases the correct way would be using a threaded bushing - maybe glueing in - when it occured for the first time.

    Best Regards from Germany

    Martin
     
  3. shawxhurst

    shawxhurst Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2006
    672
    San Diego
    Full Name:
    Steve Hawxhurst
    #3 shawxhurst, Aug 25, 2011
    Check out this recent thread. Does not really address the front bleeder but Peter's solution might work. I got the brass fittings and bleed screws from Summit Racing. You could solder the brass part to the radiator and then use the brake bleeder screw to bleed. Probably there are easier ways - just my $.02

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=332307&page=2
     
  4. M.James

    M.James F1 Rookie

    Jun 6, 2003
    2,721
    Worcester, MA
    Full Name:
    Michael.C.James
    #4 M.James, Aug 27, 2011
    I stripped mine, but then just added a copper washer with some form-a-gasket sealant around the washer, tank-side. This moved the bleeder screw 'out' some, and now seals quite well.
     
  5. PhilB

    PhilB Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 17, 2004
    2,315
    Southern New Jersey Shore
    Full Name:
    Phil
    #5 PhilB, Aug 27, 2011
    Check with Verell on this board, I think he fabricates these. This is from his parts catalog from about 2 years back:

    #95800014
    Radiator Bleed ThumbScrew
    308, 328 others
    $25.00
     
  6. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #6 Verell, Aug 29, 2011
    Are you sure the threads in the radiator are stripped? That is a piece of threaded steel tube. The brass threads on the thumbscrew should strip long before the threads in the radiator strip unless something other than a brass thumbscrew was being used.

    Yes, I still make the brass thumbscrews. Could also make a brass solder fitting if you decide you really need one.

    To contact me just click on my name & select [Send eMAIL to Verell]
     
  7. ccashen

    ccashen Karting

    Oct 2, 2007
    64
    #7 ccashen, Aug 30, 2011
    Verell,

    Yes, my mechanic says they are stripped. I trust him. I have a long history with him and know he is an excellent mechanic. His radiator guy is making a new brass solder fitting. We are taking out the radiator and cleaning it and I am replacing hoses while I have it out. I hope to have the car back this week.

    I appreciate your note. I'll let you know how it turns out..
     

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