I am having trouble with the radiator drain leaking on my 5.4L 97 F150 4x4. It appears to be the nylon(?) nut . I can wipe a little moisture with my finger below the nut and the frame member beneath is wet. It doesn't appear to leak except under pressure. I have tried just tightening the drain nut ( very carefully) and it appears to stop dripping, but over time starts to drip all over again.
Before I make a serious mistake and without a manual to see exactly how the drain is made I would like to know if anyone can tell me if the drain plug has a O-ring type (or other type) seal that can be replaced without removing the radiator.

 

The drain plug has a o-ring on the end to seal off the water. Becareful not to break it off that would be a real problem. Auto parts store should have what you need. Sometimes you have to buy the whole plug to get the o-ring.


Jason

 

Yeah be careful I broke mine giving it that little bit to make sure it wouldn't leak.

 

Well, it is not the plug, it's the radiator. After refilling the system and warming up the engine, I heard that dreaded 'hissing' noise.

Thanks for the help anyway - I hope the new radiator comes with a new drain plug & O-ring.