Date:         Mon, 16 Jun 2003 23:37:33 -0700
Reply-To:     Mark Dorm <mark_hb@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Dorm <mark_hb@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      jb weld, radiators, taps, and draincocks
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

okay,

I have no bleeder, its covered with a steel epoxy I bought at a truck stop.
No leaks, but ... can't bleed

Thinking of drilling into my radiator so I'll be able to let air loose

Not sure of where, probably on the flat plastic at front on same side as
bleeder (passenger/right side), probably just to the side of the metal part
or seam that runs up and down.

going to demarcate the small hole i'm going to drill with a cross hair
running several inches long

once hole is drilled going to let fill with as much water as possible, and
let it dry externally, while front end is lifted up on jacks (using a 2x4
between body and jacks)

once dry, going to cover same hole with steel epoxy. Since cross hairs will
extend beyond area covered up  with epoxy, I'll be able to pinpoint where my
hole was made, and where I found water...

then, after steel epoxy is cured (its pretty fast), going to add a layer of
jb weld, which takes longer to cure... (is there any reason why epoxy
couldn't go over epoxy?) I'll need to drive right away, thats why I'll be
using the steel epoxy (not jb weld) before adding a layer of jb weld (which
I believe will be stronger).

Next, after jb weld has cured, and thensome, going to drill a tap for an
1/8inch drain cock

then screw in draincock (van lifted at front again), and then add jb weld
over the edge of the bolt (or wherever I can) of the draincock

so then, i should be able to bleed my radiator, plus attach a hose to the
draincock, and I would think, be able to bleed without a wrench (okay, maybe
its hot, but the attached drain hose should direct the water away from
hitting my hand, just need a rag... hot brass...)

also, couldn't it be better for bleeding the system with this draincock,
nice or better flow of water... than the bleeder....no screw in the way...
no washer that gets chewed up... , even maybe, direct the flow water into a
nice large bucket/tub with the use of a long enough hose...

comments, warnings, feedback, et... please. and if this is all good, why not
do the same to a new radiator???

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