So I just bought a 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. The only issue it has is someone stripped the radiator drain plug. Someone sealed the bolt with some type of goop. Can this be helicoiled or is their a better option?
So I just bought a 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. The only issue it has is someone stripped the radiator drain plug. Someone sealed the bolt with some type of goop. Can this be helicoiled or is their a better option?
Plastic radiator, dunno about a helicoil, but it can likely be retapped to a larger size and a suitable bolt with a washer and seal installed.
Metal, you could helicoil, or again just retap and use the larger sized bolt washer and seal.
I'd be worried the goop got into the radiator and probably just swap it for a new one.
I did an emergency radiator repair at a autocross once with some JB Weld. It never did leak again. I would try re-tapping in a plus size, or build up with JB Weld and drill and tap that.
A new radiator is $472 and that is what I am trying to avoid.
The bung should be thick enough to re-tap and use a Stat-o-seal washer under the bolt head. If you want to go back to OEM plug try a timesert as they have a flange on the end. install with red Loctite and let it sit over night before filling. the Loctite will seal and the flange will give a smooth flat surface.
Well I got the radiator out and discovered the whole bottom tank had been repaired with epoxy. So I ordered the radiator linked above from eBay thanks Appleseed.
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