Bugeye radiator drain tap help please

[ichthos]

My heater valve is leaking, so I need to drain the coolant. I had my radiator cored/cleaned and it has been sitting for a number of years. I tried using the drain tap the first time. All I am getting is a slow drip. I was thinking of trying to remove the drain tap and installing a new one. It seems to be on very tight. I am worried about ruining the radiator. Any thoughts or suggestions on how I should proceed?
Kevin

 

[histerical]

You should be able to unscrew the body of the tap out of the radiator and you will see what needs to be cleaned out with some small drill bits. Also, if you don't have the cap off the radiator, you will get no flow...just a thought.
Bill

 

[jlaird]

Worst thing that can happen is that a new drain will have to be installed by a professional.

Think I would start with a wrench and a blow torch handy.

 

[ichthos]

It is beginning to feel like I am never going to get this thing started. I think what I will do is use the engine drain to bring the level down far enough to repair the valve and worry about the radiator when winter kicks in full time. The drain tap seems to be in there very tight, and if I remember correctly, the bottom of the radiator is brass. It seems like it wouldn't take much to cause damage to this area. Are drain taps standard? I think I have one from my TR6 that would work.
Kevin

 

[jlaird]

Drain taps are standard and cheep.

Could just loosen the bottom hose a bit to drain.