If you have the original "Bolt" in the top of the radiator, it has a
slot up the side of the threads and just loosening it allows bleeding.
If you don't have the original, a slot can be cut ... but be sure to
leave some of the threads near the head uncut.

That said, I sometimes top off from the front using a jug of coolant
with a small hose fitted to it.  Of course, that bolt is removed for
that kind of operation.

If the upper radiator support (right above the bleeder) is in the way,
it can be bent upward slightly.

As to your brake bleeder question, I've never tried such an approach but
if you can do it without altering the radiator threads, why not give it
a try?  If you don't like the results you can always put the bolt back in.

Mike
Houlton, Maine

Mike Stainbrook wrote:
> Hi all-I have checked the archives,found zero,my question is,would a
> bleeder valve(say one for the brake system,if has 8mm threads)work as a
> replacement for the bolt in the radiator? would be MUCH easier to deal with
> bleeding air from system...Idid try the KE people,no help as I don't have a
> subie...Thanks, Mike
>