After restoring several zillion (that's with a z) parts on the E type and getting it back to its 1967 glory, I've got a few nagging details determined to drive me nuts. And this one leads the pack -

--> Drain valve at rear of block, driver's side. Of course the manual suggests that this is for winter draining or general drain down, so they kindly provided a petcock valve. Yet in THREE purchases of said valve (from 2 suppliers), all carefully if messily installed, they ALL dribbled from their stupid little noses. Not at the block.

All the tightening and cursing with a British accent have not helped.

So,

A. Have any of you found a maker/supplier of NON leaking valves?
B. Can I just silicone up the the thing and reinstall for looks and forego the drain function altogether?
C. Other?

Thanks in advance. I have to go mop now.

 

Must be the quality these days. I still have my original and have taken it apart and cleaned it at times, which may help in your case. Perhaps, a heavy grease in the valve may help?

 

Later cars had no tap, there was a tapped plug. Really, there is no need for the tap, and anyway, with the crud build-up, they always had to be removed so one could poke a bit of wire around and clear the blockage before the coolant was released.

 

I AGREE WITH FRASER, I had an original and it worked fine, but I removed it eventually as I was driving all around the country .
Unless its a must? no need for it , just another problem. Also weight savings for faster speeds and fuel mileage!
GTJOEY1314

 

Okay, that does it. I'm going to weld up these Chinese crap spigots of many leaks and start selling, "Authentic Looking Jaguar E Type Petcocks GUARANTEED not to leak!"

Yep, gonna make my fortune right there.

Thanks guys.

 

I went through this with my MGA...Two new radiator petcocks, and both dripped worse than the original...Even using a rubber vacuum cap didn't stop it, because of pressure build-up....
I found an American-style "bow tie" petcock with the same tapered thread...It stopped the leak.
Edward

 

I'm all for "weight savings" and to add, stream line the looks of the block.....

 

When I took over our local Jag club, 15 years ago, it was DYING.
The club was original 120/145/150 xk member. The Etype was still the baby in the bunch.
We switch the concours to sanitaire for the most part and the club grew 200%
In short, NO ONE CARES anymore. Tell me its one of the flat floors , its something else.
Drive it, tweek it and have fun.
I was one of the first 25 years ago to put a 1 wire gm alternator and people were in shock.
Its still in the car, never an issue, fits in the exact cradle and doesn't smoke up.
Enjoy the ride my friend!
GTJOEY1314

 

Yeah I did the one wire in '96. Got tired of rebuilding the Lucas crap alternator.
Have made a few other mods, as well......

 

Red, YOU GET IT!, Nice usable mods. The radiator I went full out aluminum . Love your air cleaner set up as well. I went early stock look but put a larger return pipe for better breathing like you did!
Sorry gents anyone with the twin strombergs is not a real Etype.
God bless you for keeping them but a 1982 YUGO has more pull......
Lets see if I could post some pics...
Remember mine was a 1970 coupe, now triple su's, polished covers, xj6 series 3 ignition, covered german headlights , and sooooo much more .

 

some more....
Idles like that allllll day , never can do with the stroms....also other toys, real not kit!
Having fun with long time friend GW..
Enjoy
GTJOEY1314

 

Funny, you mentioned Yugo....I purchased two of them ($5500) for our girls for college. Funny again, I had them 6 years later! They outlived our girls college years Rad.
Yes, I too went with an all aluminum RON Davis rad. Works like a champ!