I mentioned this mod a while back and thought I would put up part numbers and pics. This mod is to install a radiator drain. It works if you don't have secondary air.

Pic #1 - The spot on the radiator to fit the drain. This hole was originally a temp switch for the secondary air. Most of us don't have secondary air. It is the hole under the radiator hose on passenger side.

Pic #2 - Tompkins Industries part DC607-04. 90 deg bib drain
$20.61

Pic #3 - Tompkins Industries part 7455-04-20. 20mm x 1.5 mm adapter
$12.74

Pic #4 - Mini clamp w/ 12" length braided vinyl tube
$1.25

Tompkins Industries website is tompkinsind.com. I got mine at a local plumbing supply house.

Anyway next time you have the coolant out this is an easy deal. Makes draining lots easier next time.

 

So is there a plug there now if one doesn't have secondary air or do you have to drill and tap? Excellent idea!

 

I removed my SAI. I may have to do this. Draining the system is such a pain in the a**.

 

Check radiator as it may have been replaced in the past and have a plug there. Wouldn't recommend drill/tap unless it has a mounting boss of heavier polymer similar to 1st photo and may still be risky due to embrittlement.
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My '02 Disco does not have SAI, but I have what appears to be a plastic unscrewable plug in that location on the radiator. Is there anyone in my situation that has successfully unscrewed/removed that plug and performed this modification? I'm considering this mod versus putting an inline drain adaptor in the lower radiator hose.

My only hesitation with this is as number9 says: "embrittlement" of the radiator plastic or the plastic plug itself breaking and ruining an otherwise functioning radiator. Otherwise, this hack creates a tremendous convenience for older Discos whose cooling systems may need repeated draining during various stages of work, such as mine (first an optional high-mileage thermostat replacement, then a failed water pump, now troubleshooting mysterious overheating). I wish this had been posted 2 years ago!

 

Actually the reason I originally did this is because my mechanic pulled out that plastic plug thinking it was a drain hole. He stuck it back in but it had a slow leak. Thats when I decided to just fix it the way I did.

Also note that I did this to a 2001 after I did it to my 2002 and It took a different adapter. Maybe one was not a factory radiator.