Hello, I overtightened my radiator drain plug and broke of the head. I can not find replacement at any of the parts stores. Went to the local radiator shop and they said it would be hard to replace as they did not have any that would fit.

Does anyone have any suggestions or maybe a extra drain plug they are not using that they could sell ?

 

I'll try to remember to check my spare radiator.

 

ok. Look like we are both in Knoxville TN

 

I am in the process of changing the oil cooler o rings and went to put the radiator drain plug back in and overtightened the radiator drain plug and broke the head off.
I am praying that this can be replaced but have not been able to find replacement. I would be forever grateful if anyone on the forum been able to find replacement? or spare that I can purchase. Thanks All

 

I was not aware the FB had a plastic rad drain plug.

What bout measuring the thread dia and pitch to find a suitable replacement? You could replace it with an equivalent bolt and a new gasket. Snug up gently.

 

That is great suggestion. Hopefully I will be able to find same size bolt at big box store. Maker on radiator says NIPPONDENSO made in Japan but possible factory replacement and not original?

 

The ACE hardware stores near me all have a board with different size studs and nuts mounted on it, so you can ID the hardware you have.

 

i went to hardware and bought 1/4 plug but can not thread into radiator hole. anyone have any suggestion on finding original radiator drain plug?

 

Take that plastic bolt/plug to the hardware store and find out what size nut it takes (It's metric thread). Then you'll know what thread bolt to get.
These original radiators are no longer available and I don't think I'd trust a used plastic bolt/plug from someone's junk pile either. If you have a Grainger store near you they could match it (they have an extensive hardware selection).

 

Or better yet take the threaded part to an autoparts store like autozone or advanceauto, they may be able to fit the thread to one of their generic radiator drain petcocks. Automotive threading, especially metrics, tend to be particular to auto applications so better chance at an auto store. Also, your radiator is most likely aftermarket, so finding a genuine "mazda" part may not help.

 

Yep , no radiator drain on the stock 1st gens that I know of.

 

Ok this is where I need to share my most favourite of Amazon purchases....

Buy these:

1: Thread gauge. Match the threads to determine exact pitch.
2: Dia gauge, not as useful as its pretty easy to measure dia and length... but worth the money.

I like to buy all new hardware any time I am removing something from the car that is original. Unless its more specialized/structural fasteners like rear suspension bolts (Mazda OEM), then I go buy all new metric threaded hardware.

 

Thanks All. Problem solved. m12-1.25
I will be posting pics of my car . It is one owner 83 Tornado Silver with only 59,000 original miles. Its a auto but could not pass on such a good car.


Thanks Again Ray

 

Glad you got it figured out! Looks like you used a bolt. Did you use any sort of rubber washer under the head of the bolt?

 

yes it came with a rubber gasket. Guess the intend purpose is for oil pan plug but it works and is nice and snug.

 

I'm glad you got it figured out! Sorry I wasn't able to get out there and measure.. Looking at other's posts it looks like it wouldn't have mattered anyway. Hopefully, I'll see you around town.

 

Nice solution! I think it's a dedicated radiator drain plug since it has a rubber seal.

An oil drain plug would have a hard seal, either copper or teflon.



We're looking forward to the pictures of your Tornado Silver FB!

 

Where did you find that bolt with the flange on it ?

 

AutoZone

 

Thanks !