Upgrading radiator drain in a genset

[JHZR2]

Kubota diesel genset for power outages, that sees real and long term use. Has a bit over 2900 hours, runs perfect, but is due for coolant change.

I noted that the drain petcock was a bit wet after running for about 20 hours due to electricity loss from Hurricane Erin.

It’s also incredibly messy and inconvenient due to location.

I’m thinking that maybe something else could be fit to it. Maybe a little iron elbow and then a ball valve and plastic hose barb?

Otherwise what’s better to upgrade this? The genset is in an enclosure, the oil filter blocks clear access, and letting it spill out would be a large mess. Removing the lower radiator hose would be even worse, and can’t siphon from the radiator either.

Obviously anything too heavy/long would become a vibration issue and could damage the radiator.

Suggestions?? Thanks!

 

[ctechbob]

What about nylon fittings? Those should be able to stand up to the heat and be nice and light.

Nylon barb fitting in the radiator to a piece of flexible tubing to a metal ball valve mounted somewhere. That way you're just dealing with the weight of the fitting and flexible tubing.

 

[eljefino]

What do you have for recirc hoses for when the thermostat is closed? The ones that would go to a heater core if you had one. If there's some standard 5/8 or 3/4 hose in the system you could lengthen it and put in a flush kit used to drain.

That valve looks like it has some sort of internal stuffing/ packing that's letting go on you. It's not a "this-plug-has-an-o-ring-so-pull-it-out" style. So you may be able to just buy the valve somewhere. I see two nuts behind it so you probably backup-wrench one while undoing the other.

I'd let well enough alone, replace the petcock, and run some 15 year prestone in it. Then you've got a problem in 2040.

 

[JHZR2]

What do you have for recirc hoses for when the thermostat is closed? The ones that would go to a heater core if you had one. If there's some standard 5/8 or 3/4 hose in the system you could lengthen it and put in a flush kit used to drain.

That valve looks like it has some sort of internal stuffing/ packing that's letting go on you. It's not a "this-plug-has-an-o-ring-so-pull-it-out" style. So you may be able to just buy the valve somewhere. I see two nuts behind it so you probably backup-wrench one while undoing the other.

I'd let well enough alone, replace the petcock, and run some 15 year prestone in it. Then you've got a problem in 2040.

Don’t believe there is one. This is a small kubota diesel, not an automotive variant.

I think the petcock is similar to the ones in air compressor tanks. Definitely not as nice as the ones in automotive radiators.

The thing with changing it is that whenever it gets done again, or even just this flush and change, it will be much cleaner.

 

[doitmyself]

If you can get your hand in there to open/close the valve, you could install a valve like this with a piece of tubing on it to run the coolant out somewhere convenient:

Or you could do a remote drain valve??

 

[JHZR2]

If you can get your hand in there to open/close the valve, you could install a valve like this with a piece of tubing on it to run the coolant out somewhere convenient:
View attachment 295920View attachment 295922

Or you could do a remote drain valve??
View attachment 295921

Precisely! Unfortunately next to nothing is actually available where I am. There is a Home Depot though!

 

[Lubener]

I would consider just replacing the radiator. The core looks worse than the petcock.

 

[JHZR2]

I would consider just replacing the radiator. The core looks worse than the petcock.

Radiator core is fine. It’s a brass/copper radiator. There is some other corrosion inside due to spending many years outdoors in a salt air environment but it doesn’t matter.

 

[spasm3]

Precisely! Unfortunately next to nothing is actually available where I am. There is a Home Depot though!

You probably will have to take it out to thread match it.

Looks like a large tractor petcock. Maybe see if there is a Kubota tractor dealer/service center near you and take it there to match.

 

[eljefino]

Those petcocks pictured look like 1/8" NPT, which opens a world of jury-rigging. But I question doing so, as simpler is better for "emergency equipment."

 

[JHZR2]

Smart people read manuals.

I wasn’t so smart.

Thinking Delo ELC.