Argh! Coolant Bleed Nipple Snapped!

[shalmaneser 26]

Just replaced my rad fan thermo switch, and changed the coolant at the same time. All going really well (too well) until i stupidly decided to 'nip up' the cylinder head bleed nipple. This then decided to snap, shooting coolant everywhere. Got the car turned off the second it happened, but now i'm left with the following problem.

 

 

 

 

 

Obviously i need to get a new nipple and get the remains of the old one out, what I'd like to know is...

 

Where can i get a new bleed nipple? Halfords?

can I unscrew the 'T' piece so i can get to the sheared nipple easily?

any hints or tips!

 

So far i've tried an easy-out, but that unsuprisingly hasn't worked at all. So i find myself scraping out the remnants of the bleed nipple with a scalpel, which will take forever.

 

Don't suppose anyone around the Winchester area has a spare bleed nipple they'd be willing to drop off? Long shot i know....

[EdCherry 34 1 Cars]

I can check the spare engine ive got to see if I got one for you, but if you can find me the thread I can just give you a bolt with a hex head.

[MerlinGTI 3]

I have this issue on the other engine im building. You cant really 'unscrew' the t-peice it looks like its pressed in. Best bet is to get a new nipple (halfrauds wont do them, let me know where you do manage to get one though!) measure the thread pitch then drill and tap out the hole.

[EdCherry 34 1 Cars]

Looking at servicebox its either 6x1 or 7x1. I only have 6x1 and dont have a spare coolant housing or bleed nipple.

[large 33]

I should have one you can have for the cost of postage. PM me if you want it.

[shalmaneser 26]

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

managed to get it fixed in the end.

 

I actually managed to find a bolt that is the same pitch in my box of bits after digging out what was left of the old nipple by drilling through the centre of the nipple and colapsing it with a knife - it's actually the same pitch as the threaded bar that hold the battery in place as it happens, which is very useful when it comes to finding a compatible bolt as you don't have to keep on walking back to the car to check the thread.

 

I also ended up removing the t-piece. It is pressed in, but not very tightly so I'm going to bond it back in with some waterproof high temp epoxy.

 

panic over, hopefully!