Jeger wrote:
Is there any reason I couldnt take a stock drain plug and drill and tap it for whatever thread size your valve is? What is that thread size anyhow.
EDIT: Actually perhaps thats what you could do to save on the adaptors. I dont know how much the plugs cost, but I would hope it is cheaper than machining your own. Something to look into perhaps.
There is NO, repeat NO actual thread size, that is why it is refered to in the trade as a "bast@rd" thread. They have used a special thread cut that no one has a die or tap for, size is cut special for the plug and no one else can match w/o great expence.
Actually your way would probably double or tripple the cost, because you add an extra machining step that has no way to secure the bolt w/o damaging the threads. It is cheaper to buy a blank piece w/o threads to be damaged when clamping and just drill the center then cut threads, or possible start with hollow stock then cut threads.
Greg has done the job the correct/proper way and I understand his concerns with having enough sales to cover his investment. Put yourself in his shoes as a small business, you can not tie up a $1000 for a year to make a $100 proffet and stay in business. Even large companys will not do that, that is why special low number count stuff cost so much. If you are selling hundreds of these a day then the unit cost would have a drastic drop in cost and the proffit margin per unit would also drop.