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-   -   Supermiata Radiator Drain Plug Seal (https://www.miataturbo.net/engine-performance-56/supermiata-radiator-drain-plug-seal-101007/)

Rallas Aug 31, 2019 10:03 AM

Supermiata Radiator Drain Plug Seal
 
I've had a Supermiata crossflow radiator in my car for a few years now. I went to drain the coolant and noticed the seals on the two drain plugs have degraded and are leaking. I can't find a replacement online. Has anyone dealt with this before?

Right now i am just debating on sticking an o-ring in there.

afm Aug 31, 2019 11:53 AM

A 3/8” bonded sealing washer (metal-backed rubber washer) works really well and is sold at any hardware store. Unlike a regular rubber washer or crush washer, they grip the bolt/plug tightly to provide a radial seal, and they are meant to seal well with minimal torque.

An O-ring won’t seal as well under the head of the bolt since it’s not designed to be squished like that. A normal copper crush washer will need a lot more torque on a plug that’s comically easy to strip.

patsmx5 Sep 1, 2019 07:08 PM

My supermiata radiator came with an o-ring. Not ideal but it doesn't leak.

Rallas Sep 3, 2019 08:18 AM

I contacted Supermiata and received a lightning quick response. They recommend using an o-ring.

I like the idea of a bonded washer since an o-ring can squish out.
Looking at using something like this.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...511ddbc94c.gif

afm Sep 3, 2019 02:35 PM

Those will work, as will this style that is sold at most hardware stores. I used 3/8" washers instead of M10 since it made them extra tight radially around the threads, but any bonded sealing washer for a bolt should be tight enough to seal to the threads in addition to a face seal.

https://www.bestmaterials.com/images...-gje-large.jpg

jpreston Sep 3, 2019 03:32 PM

+1 to dowty seal/bonded washer. Bought mine from mcmaster but don't have the part number anymore. I never felt good about that o-ring.

LownSlow616 Sep 22, 2019 07:31 PM

I had problems with mine as well. Threads were stripped and the gasket/o ring didn't seal right.

Ended up welding -4an Male bungs on the drains and using -4an caps.

ryansmoneypit Oct 4, 2019 01:54 PM

almost smoked my engine today. full coolant a week ago, none today. found out when things smelled "hot". replace those washers y'all.


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