radiator overflow nipple

[bigmacattack]

So anyway when I was cranking on the serpentine belt tensioner, I went a little too far and hit the radiator overflow hose and broke the nipple off flush with the radiator. I grabbed some epoxy rated for plastic and reattached it. It lasted for about a week and a half and finally broke off again. has anybody ran into this problem, any ideas on fixing this permanantly.

[mschn99]

the only way your gonna be able to do it is drill and tap it so a screw in style brass fitting will go in there...be very carefull though, its kinda a one shot deal....get the fitting first and make sure your using the right sized bit....then run the fitting in, to make the threads, take it back out, use some thread sealer, and put it back in...

[bigmacattack]

thanks marc, I was thinking the same thing I just wanted to get some other opinions. I wonder if an auto parts store would have the fitting I need or do you thing I will have to go to the hardware store plumbing section.

[mschn99]

im thinkin the hardware store is probably gonna be more likely to have what you need....

[bigmacattack]

Thanks Marc, is teflon tape ok for this application for sealing the threads

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by bigmacattack

Thanks Marc, is teflon tape ok for this application for sealing the threads

teflon tape would probably work, but i would use luquid teflon tape...it tends to seal better.......id stay away from apoxy for sure, it tends to crack when exposed to extremem heat cylcles.....

[bigmacattack]

Thanks Marc, is teflon tape ok for this application for sealing the threads

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by bigmacattack

Thanks Marc, is teflon tape ok for this application for sealing the threads

teflon tape should work just fine...

[bigmacattack]

sorry I sent the same message twice I'll try the liquid teflon with a brass fitting thanks marc

[TexasR.N.]

Hey BigMac,
I did the same thing a couple of years ago. I used a 3/8(I think) NPT brass fitting,I had the radiator out and had it leaning forward when I tapped it out, then I used my shopvac to suck out any potential debris that was left on the inside. Screwed it in there and have ZERO problems since. I believe that I used teflon tape, but I may have used hi-temp RTV sealant. Sorry its been a while. Point of my story is that you can fix it with a brass nipple with few probs.
See ya,
Craig