Leaking radiator bleed plug, direct replacement?

[DopeScope]

I noticed that my radiator has had a relatively slow leak which seems to be coming from the bleed plug. I haven't noticed any other issues and my coolant expansion tank is filled to the line so I don't think I've lost too much coolant over time.

Anyways, my question is, can I simply buy a new bleed plug and replace the existing one to see if that helps remedy the issue? I would assume I don't need to bleed the whole system for this but I don't really know anything about the coolant system.

Bleed plug replacement: http://autoplicity.com/2540534-dorm...wKRrKm5sM2SufDL_CCCZNK4dO7n8QkDJ6GBoCbYrw_wcB

Thanks in advance.

 

[NSXGB]

Acura part #19011-PR7-A03 & if it does not come with O ring, part #19012-PD2-004 same top and bottom of rad, change quickly and bleed the system!

 

[OLDMNSX]

I would pull the bleed plug and inspect the o-ring. It may be cracked or broken. When you re-insert the plug remember it is the o-ring that makes the seal NOT how tight you tighten the plug. Snug is tight enough.
Brad

 

[nigel]

Always use a lubricant on the o-rings wherever they are installed correct for their application.
On the radiator, (and nearly every where else, I use DC-4 ) to keep it from tearing or catching when you get to the contact point.

Cheers
nigel

 

[warrenw]

Common problem. Once the bleed plug is opened the o ring does t seal. I bought a new o ring from Honda.

I had my wife put her finger on the radiator hole while I changed the o ring on the petcock. (sounds porno)

 

[DopeScope]

Acura part #19011-PR7-A03 & if it does not come with O ring, part #19012-PD2-004 same top and bottom of rad, change quickly and bleed the system!

Thanks for the part numbers. Looks like I should be able to pick up a new O ring from my local honda dealer. I'll give that a try first and see if that doesn't resolve the issue.

Is there actually anything special about getting an OEM O ring though? This is just a rubber O ring right? I've got a small box of various O rings I picked up at autozone before. I can't image they're that different.

 

[NSXGB]

If you buy the new petcock you can just unscrew the old one then quickly screw in the new straight away without losing much fluid and leaving yourself minimal bleeding.

At least if you buy the Acura part you know the o ring is exactly the correct size.

 

[OLDMNSX]

At least if you buy the Acura part you know the o ring is exactly the correct size.

I've never had much luck trying to find an aftermarket o-ring fit anything on a Honda or Acura.

 

[DopeScope]

If you buy the new petcock you can just unscrew the old one then quickly screw in the new straight away without losing much fluid and leaving yourself minimal bleeding.

At least if you buy the Acura part you know the o ring is exactly the correct size.

Thanks. Calling around to see if anyone has the necessary parts and it seems like everyone will need to order it. At that point I might as well order it online to avoid a 1/2 hour drive each way but that means spending +$9 on shipping. Any other parts you guys think I should be ordering just in case?

Edit: Found this on amazon. It's not OEM but at 1/3 of the price with 2 day shipping seems like it'd save me a lot of hassle. I don't imagine there's THAT much of a difference between OEM and non-OEM. Can anyone offer insight into why not to go with this? http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-61125-...&qid=1451351962&sr=8-1&keywords=19011-pr7-a03

 

[JD Cross]

An new OEM plug and O-ring is about $7.50
A new OEM O-ring is $1.82.
For such a minor item and such an easy repair why not get the correct OEM parts and be done with it?

 

[ftuhy]

Lube the new o-ring with silicon grease. As Larry B has noted, you can readily get Si grease at a pool supply place.

 

[DopeScope]

An new OEM plug and O-ring is about $7.50
A new OEM O-ring is $1.82.
For such a minor item and such an easy repair why not get the correct OEM parts and be done with it?

Ordering online would end up around $20 due to shipping. Ordering the parts at my local Honda dealer would have taken till Saturday and cost more, the two acura dealerships around me are a 1/2 hour drive in opposite directions and I would have had to wait several days and it'd cost more as well.

If I had a local dealer and could spend $10 and get the parts I'd have done it. But for $5 and it shows up at my door two days later? I'm pretty ok with that.

Because it's an easy repair and such a minor item is actually why I feel not having OEM is a non-issue.

Now this is all a moot point because amazon's taking it's sweet, sweet, time with actually shipping an instock part so I probably should have just let my honda dealer order it since I can pick it up before amazon can get it to me.

- - - Updated - - -

Lube the new o-ring with silicon grease. As Larry B has noted, you can readily get Si grease at a pool supply place.

Yup, already have dielectric grease from when I was trying to fix my ignition switch. Ended up not needing it since it was an issue with the starter.