I was in the process of changing out my valve cover gaskets today when I manage to break off the return hose nipple from the coolent reservoir. Valve cover gaskets were leaking due to what I suspected as over tighting bolts and boy were they ever! Had to use cheater to break loose bolt under reservoir (breaking nipple off too). My question is: there is a second nipple next to the one I broke not connected to anything, can I just open that one up and use it, closing the broken one up with JB Weld or something similar? Will the pressure blow out the JB?

 

I think there is a decent chance the JB will hold....but...if I recall you are about to take a long journey. I would not want to risk getting stranded for the cost of a replacement reservoir.

 

Ya Steve I'm thinking that, too. Just ordered a new one. I'm glad I checked on the gaskets. Got oil in spark plug holes. The gaskets were done so tight they're almost flat.

 

I think Permatex has something for that repair. I know BMW does, a quick google brought me here but you might just check with a BMW dealer: BMW Repair Nipple for Overflow Hose Fitting on Plastic Tank Radiators (Metal Nipple) 17119055593 - RM European Auto Parts

 

That ABS plastic is hard to get good adhesion from any cements. I had to repair two small cracks in the bottom of my tank and it took grinding out, drilling, and adding a rubber washer to make a plug...then added the JB. It still leaks a tiny bit when driving. Remember, JB dries hard and is not flexible...and can crack. Also, these systems have a LOT of pressure in them and can blow most any component at any time.

I would look for a "new" or good used tank. They are expensive for what they are and not easy to find. But to repair properly you will need to drill the remaining nipple out or put a smaller tube into the hole from the present nipple. I'd try to keep the passage size the same as oem.

If you drill it out, put in a very tight rubber bushing you may get by. If you choose to use glue it will have to be absolutely clean and scuffed from both inside and out, then a new nipple with a small collar to hold it from moving the direction of the pressure. You'll know right away once the engine gets to full heat and you give it some rpms.

 

eagledancer; my #5 son rides a Triumph. 2000, maybe a Bonneville, but I don't know. It's set up like a cafe racer and he's slowly changing it to more stock.

Hosted on Fotki

 

I hate when the nipple breaks!

That too, but I just had the break bleed valve nipple break on the BMW.

Have to replace the whole unit since I am not trusting my life to JB weld.

Good luck with your busted nipple.....does that sound too gay?

cheers,

jj

 

The tank has two outlets, only one of which is drilled for the XK8, so there must be another vehicle using the same reservoir where both outlets are used.

Any ideas?

 

If you keep saying NIPPLE sam will have a hot flush

 

That's a Bonnie alright. Nice looking, too. I got mine to fulfill an old dream and really enjoyed the looks and comments from people - lot like the Jag. Your son's and mine were built in England, but not the ones today. My health took a left turn so I've had to give up that dream, but there was this BRG XKE I saw once and now the Jag is fulfiling another.

 

I must say that wherever he goes he gets thumbs up and lots of comments. Not many British bikes out there by comparison. My brother's best friend from school days had a big Matchless that he rode in "scrambles". It was a beast. I remember all those Nortons and others from the 1960's...and that when the Japanese bikes came over how glad everyone was to have a cycle that didn't break down constantly.

Hope you get to have a few more rides. Afraid to ask, but where are they made now?

 

XJ8's of those years. But the wrecking yards are scoured constantly for naught because so many of the good parts cars were crushed in the "Cash for Clunkers" program....one of the dumbest things ever done (unless you are a new car dealer...hmmmmmm....). Wasn't that another Obama deal?

 

Thanks,

Triumph still builds some of their line in Hinckley, England, but the Bonnies are now built in the far East, Thailand I think.

 

I guess this one must have been made in England because the gas tank is big enough for two Thais to sit on.

 

Couldn't resist. This pic of my 66 Bonneville (in front of my 66 Impala 427). Date: 1967

 

Just like the one that lured me to my evil ways. Thanks Paul