My bleed screws on my radiator hoses have the heads almost ruined to the point that a screwdriver will barely turn them. Also, they have backed out of their holes after I drove the car, spraying coolant all over my brand new optispark. It appears there was something beneath the heads of the screws to prevent them from backing out, but I can't figure out what I should use to replace it. Should I just use thread locker on the threads, or do I need something else?

 

ttt

 

Put a jam nut on them. If the heads are screwed up, replace them.

 

when I worked in a shop If there was a loose bolt or joint, we would sometimes use superglue on the threads. It will tighten things up. (only would be a temporary fix)

Why in the world would the bleeder screws keep backing out? Were they overtightened or stripped?

They do sell a hose replacement for that area.

 

no, the threads are fine, but I think something was originally underneath the heads of the screws to keep them from backing out, like a rubber gasket or something? If someone could check their bleeder screws for me and tell me what it is, that would be great.

 

There is nothing under the head. Because of the way the screw works, the head is not even supposed to go all the way down.

 

Why not just replace them? Part #10070107 They are about $5.00 each from GM

 

Now that he mentions that, I can take mine all the way out on both of them.

 

huh?

 

There's a removable grade thread locker for things like that... It's white... and most people use them on head bolts... but I think if you ahve to do all that... your bleeder screw probably needs to be replaced. I mean the entire assembly not just the little piece you unscrew to get the air out. just replace it.

 

Put some thread locker on them. I think they have a small amout of thread locker on them from the factory. If you have used them alot the factory thread locker may have just worn off.

 

What is there not to understand? I can take out each bleeder screw if i wanted to, as in put both in my hand. I was stating that they are removable.