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MG TD TF 1500 - Petcock Handle Direction

OK Guys, here is a really simple question that I am almost embarrassed to ask. I am in the process of reassembling my TD after repairing a stuck valve due to the guides being too tight. When I drained the coolant I forgot to note the direction that the petcock handles were for open or closed. Now I'm about to put coolant back in and I want to be sure the valves are closed. I vaguely rember that the handle is parallel to the spigot when closed and turns counter clockwise to open it. Is this correct?

Incidentally, a woed of caution about working around the rear of the engine. Be sure to take off you metal watch band and any other jewelery. I was putting the rear cover on the head and accidentally shorted the gap between the starter switch and the battery hold down with my watch band. Things get really hot really fast and anything you might be holding like a rear cover screw winds up going into never never land.

Thanks for putting up with a really simple question.
A. R. Todd

The Brits used a different system than ours. The petcock handle goes in line to close and 90 degrees to open.
Tom Maine (TD8105)

Thanks Tom, I thought that was the vway it was but I thought I would check before starting to pour coolant in.
A. R. Todd

The engine block petcock is at right angles to the valve when closed on my car-

Dallas Congleton

But the radiator petcock is in line with the valve when closed.

Dallas Congleton

Thanks Dallas, I now think that is what I vaguely remember. I'll try them that way when I start pouring.
A. R. Todd

Just put something under the petcock to catch any coolant if you guess wrong about the direction of the handle. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

The original engine petcock had the handle next to the bearer plate on the side of the petcock, not the top. here is a picture of it closed.

The radiator petcock with the fitting for the copper tube is also original and it does operate in the reverse fashion of being 'in-line' when closed.

warmly,
dave

Dave Braun

Actually Dave the first photo is of an original drain valve. The late TDs and TFs had a valve like shown- with handle on top, which is also shown in the parts diagram. The early TDs had the side mounted handle version.
The attached photo is from the factory manual engine diagram.

Dallas Congleton

It's always funny to notice that our cars differ in the details...

This is the petcock on my (early) TD in the closed position.

Jasper


Jasper L Nederhoed

Holy cow guys I didn't mean to open Pandora's box here (LOL). My block valve has the lever on top and I'm sure is closed when turned to the side. The radiator valve is closed when inline and opens by turning counter clockwise.

Thanks to you all for your input and help!!!!
A. R. Todd

This thread was discussed on 08/12/2011

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