Coolant petcock alignment?
 

Quick question for the group. The water pipe and water petcock on my '31 was in pretty bad shape (rusted and peeling on the inside), so tonight I replaced it with this kit:

http://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/M8291BP.html

When I installed the petcock onto the pipe, it ended up not nice and straight like the previous one was (probably installed during a restoration in the 70s, before I was born). By straight, I mean the old one was clocked so the knob was facing straight out to the side of the car. On the new one, the knob ends up tucked under the water pipe, facing the rear of the car.

Is there a trick to getting these things to stay water tight yet aligned how you want them to be? Or do you just end up with where it gets tight?

I was thinking a washer could be used, but I believe the threads are tapered aren't they? Seems like a washer would cause the taper to not tighten up the threads as much, if they were tapered.

Thanks a bunch!

Re: Coolant petcock alignment?
 

Re if they were tapered, yes they are. Try using thread sealer and don't turn as tight. Might work. Other suggestion, cut the threads a little deeper. Go at it slow till you line it up where you want when tight.

Re: Coolant petcock alignment?
 

By thread sealer, are we talking something like red Loctite?

Re: Coolant petcock alignment?
 

It's only water or coolant, so you could use some white teflon tape, same as for the plumbing in your house.

Re: Coolant petcock alignment?
 

Pipe dope, not Locktite

Re: Coolant petcock alignment?
 

Re: Coolant petcock alignment?
 

No to red Locktite. Pipe dope, teflon tape or Locktite does make a thread sealer, I don't have the number handy. It works great with modern gas or water. It is a white color and is non locking.

Re: Coolant petcock alignment?
 

Try using the old one and see how it lines up facing out!