questions: coolant elbows and O-rings

[dwalby]

A few questions based on the paranoia of fixing something that's not broke, and making a problem that didn't exist.

1. Has anybody ever had any problems with removing the bolts that attach the elbows to the cylinder head? They look fairly small, don't want to snap off a head trying to remove one that's a bit stubborn, so do they usually break loose without any drama?

2. If I decide it's not broke, don't fix it, and leave it alone, how prone to leaking are the O-rings? They are 17 years old after all, is it a bad idea to not change the O-rings while I'm already in there replacing the coolant hoses?

3. Same question for the metal pipe O-rings.

thanks,

Doug

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

Hi Doug,

The bolts should come out without any drama. If you do pull the elbows, definitely replace the o-rings. You'll have fun digging out the old ones. But if they're not leaking now, my advice is to leave the elbows alone. Inspect them of course, there have been a few reports of elbows that have developed cracks. When I replaced my hoses for the second time last year at 162K I bought new elbows but really didn't have to. Cheap insurance. OTOH, pulling the carbs isn't that big of a job. I replaced the metal pipe o-ring and seal the first time but it probably wasn't necessary. Again, cheap insurance, though. FWIW

John

 

[Brant]

A few questions based on the paranoia of fixing something that's not broke, and making a problem that didn't exist.

1. Has anybody ever had any problems with removing the bolts that attach the elbows to the cylinder head? They look fairly small, don't want to snap off a head trying to remove one that's a bit stubborn, so do they usually break loose without any drama?

2. If I decide it's not broke, don't fix it, and leave it alone, how prone to leaking are the O-rings? They are 17 years old after all, is it a bad idea to not change the O-rings while I'm already in there replacing the coolant hoses?

3. Same question for the metal pipe O-rings.

thanks,

Doug

1. Box-end wrench or 1/4" ratchet and tap it with a hammer should pop those bolts loose. Just pressure to get them loose may snap them off. I advise replacing those elbows, along of course with the O-rings.
2. Murphy'sLaw says fairly prone to a leak since already there and not doing it.
3. #2's law also says those intake boots will leak vacuum(holed pistons WILL ruin your day), if not replaced while there also. Not only that, they will NOT tottally re-seal again since the clamps have a 'stop' to keep from overtightening. With a local discount, costin' some $11 apiece for OEM boots, hardly worth the risk
BTW, pay close attention to orientation of original boots prior to removal as this dictates location of clamp screws for access to tighten them

 

[Jim Van]

I would also replace the elbows - they are cheap. I removed mine to replace the o-rings and when I re-installed them, they both cracked !! They were stuck on pretty good and I had to pry on them to get them off. I think they cracked then, although they were both still in one piece.

I also replaced the hoses to the elbows with blue silicon heater hose from the auto parts store. Can't remember if I used 5/8 " or 3/4 " inch hose.

 

[dwalby]

One more question regarding the easiest way to replace the hoses that run between the t-stat housing and the elbows.

I know from previous experience that the t-stat housing has little room for movement and the hoses tend to be very hard to remove and replace in that area because of limited access. So I'm thinking the best way to swap the hoses is to pull the t-stat housing out with the old hoses still attached. To do this I think I need to drop the radiator so that I can pull the t-stat housing out of the upper radiator hose and get it to clear the frame going out the front.

So am I on the right track with that idea, or is there an easier way?

I'm assuming with the hoses being routed under the frame to the t-stat housing, and no way to get your hands in there to push very hard, its going to be harder to do the hose swap with the t-stat housing in place, am I right?

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

JMHO but leave the thermo housing alone, cut the old hoses to get them off, and lube the housing and new hoses to get them on. BTDTx2. Don't make more work of it than needs be...

John

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