MD2020D coolant Drain plug thread size

[StUrrock]

Hi All,

We want to swap out the drain plug on our 2004 MD2020D, for a drain tap, but don't know the thread size

Living 100miles away from the boat we want to go with all the bits so we are prepared for the job

Our fantastic Volvo parts supplier doesn't know the size and has recommended going to a plumbing shop to get a brass drain tap as apparently we cant get such a thing directly from Volvo now it seems.

If anyone on the forum knows the bspt thread or npt thread size or a supplier of a suitable drain tap we would be very grateful.

many thanks

 

[Plum]

Hi All,

We want to swap out the drain plug on our 2004 MD2020D, for a drain tap, but don't know the thread size

Living 100miles away from the boat we want to go with all the bits so we are prepared for the job

Our fantastic Volvo parts supplier doesn't know the size and has recommended going to a plumbing shop to get a brass drain tap as apparently we cant get such a thing directly from Volvo now it seems.

If anyone on the forum knows the bspt thread or npt thread size or a supplier of a suitable drain tap we would be very grateful.

many thanks

sorry, can't answer for your engine but on many VP diesels they use one of these which makes draining much easier
947893 Drain Tap - Genuine - Keypart
on this website they quote other engine models and a thread size
Drain tap cooling water for Volvo Penta, marineparts.eu

recommend you call ASAP, who are extremely helpful, and ask if this one fits:
Drain Cock for Volvo Penta Oil Coolers (Volvo 82745)

 

[peteK]

I have a drain tap on my Perkins M20 which is fitted as standard which is the same as the MD 2020,try ringing Marine enterprises,I am sure they would have one as they dismantle engines for parts.

 

[Ammonite]

I "think" it's 1/8" NPT
This link gives you a part number and if you cross reference this there are several references to 1/8" elsewhere. Note though that while the description includes MD2020 it's not included in the list of engine models below this
Drain Tap for Volvo Penta MD2020, MD2030, MD2040, Replaces: 966871

Incidentally I have the original wing nut style tap on my MD2040 and it's useless. I just remove it and poke a tube in the hole. Works perfectly

 

[StUrrock]

Thank you for all your replies and useful and very helpful knowledge.

After a bit more searching I found this thread on another site where the owner is doing something similar with a MD2023

MD2030 Heat Exchanger Clean and Coolant Drain Tap

The approach here was thus;
"Fitting a Drain Tap.
A ¾" to ½" BSPT Taper adaptor was screwed into the engine block using a 28mm socket (which is a non standard size). A ½" BSPT Tapered drain cock was then screwed into the adaptor but the spout must not exceed 24mm from the centreline or it will hit the oil filter case."

Pretty sure the drain plug is smaller on a md202, but I like the approach.

On a side note with the new brass plug and the engine, being dissimilar metals will Duralac and or PTFE tape be sufficient to prevent this by applying to the threads?

 

[vyv_cox]

There is often a mixture of metals in engine coolant circuits. Antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors that are intended to protect these mixtures. PTFE tape is advisable to seal leakage paths but will not isolate.

 

[StUrrock]

Thank you all so much, after removing the oil filter I put in a ball valve with a drain connection for a hose.
Worried in case the ball valve opens accidentally so will put the original 1/4” plug in place after each coolant drain.

 

[Plum]

Thank you all so much, after removing the oil filter I put in a ball valve with a drain connection for a hose.
Worried in case the ball valve opens accidentally so will put the original 1/4” plug in place after each coolant drain.

View attachment 168584View attachment 168585

Excellent. Thanks. What was the thread type in the block? 1/4" BSP?

 

[StUrrock]

Excellent. Thanks. What was the thread type in the block? 1/4" BSP?

Yes the 1/4” BSP parts purchased fitted perfectly.