Radiator Drain Petcock vs. Plug

[cv2065]

Never really liked petcocks as they seem to be prone to loosening, get overtightened or wear out over time. Anyone replace these with a threaded plug? Seems like that would be more reliable long term. Looks like the AFCO radiators have a 1/4" NPT threaded opening.

[TrackDay17]

Never really liked petcocks as they seem to be prone to loosening, get overtightened or wear out over time. Anyone replace these with a threaded plug? Seems like that would be more reliable long term. Looks like the AFCO radiators have a 1/4" NPT threaded opening.


As an old motorcycle racer we used to safety wire them so they couldn't vibrate open.
Never had one come loose.
Most bikes don't have them but the couple that did that was my go to solution.

[Steve1979]

My radiator has 2 threaded openings. The bottom right one I opted for a zinc anode, kind of close to a threaded plug. The top left opening, is where I place the petcock and use it after coolant changes, just to make sure all the air is out of the system, and I also have a burp tank sitting about the same height or a touch higher than the top of the radiator. Haven't had any problems with this setup.

Best,

[CraigS]

Not me. I like coolant draining out of a petcock in a nice stream vs splashing all over my hand until I get out of the way. I have never had a brass petcock open on it's own. Similarly I replaced some plastic poc on my lawn tractor w/ a petcock so I could more easily drain the oil. 6 years and no auto opening.

[rich grsc]

Yep, a petcock can sometimes me difficult to loosen, have never had one come open.