Sponsored Content
K
Last summer and again now I have a problem with the chrome water neck (thermostat housing) leaking antifreeze on to my Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold after the motor cools down.
I changed it from a chrome swivel type to a 45 degree stationery unit. The second unit worked fairly well until this weekend. More leaks after the motor cools down.
I tightened it with no improvement. I don't want to tighten it too much and strip out the threads on the softer aluminum intake manifold.
I'm considering going back to the stock type water neck with a standard type gasket. The "O" Ring gaskets just don't work.
Any advice & opinions are appreciated.
KevinBe the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support Vette Registry)
V
Former Member
Send PMMounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1034
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
I can't see any reason not to go back to the correct housing. I always use the O ring gaskets, and put a little silicone sealer on the housing side. I can't remember the last time one leaked.
Larry
Larry
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Free Member
Send PMCramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
The leak you have seems to be common with the chrome water necks. A buddy of mine went through 2 of them on his 76 before giving up and getting a cast aluminum one, that solved the leak problem. You may try sliding the mating part of the housing against a fairly course piece of abrasive paper laying flat on the workbench to true and roughen the mating surface a bit to see if that helps. Are you using any silicone on the neck?
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
The silicone sealer is the key. Make sure it's clean and dry first.
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
K
Hey guys,
I'm looking ahead to Wednesday.
I'll try replacing the O Ring and using the silicone.
If'n it don't werk, in the garbage it goze & I'll try the cast aluminum.
Thanks for the advice & I'll let you know how I do.
Kevin
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
7
I have about 5 of those in my shop from DNV and Fireboss. Thye have not been able to keep them from leaking. Mine, on the other hand, is tight as can be.
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
K
Well, I'm back to work on this.
I went to a swap meet and bought a 45 degree aluminum water neck with the "O" Ring gasket. (No one had aluminum that takes a standard type gasket.)
So, I'll be giving this a try.
When I use the silicone sealer with the "O" Ring, how thick should I go with the silicone?
Could I create a problem if the silicone comes into contact with the "O" Ring when its snugged down & tightened?
Thanks in advance.
Kevin
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Lifetime Member
Send PMHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I have an aluminum adjustable o ring housing. No leaks and no silicone...
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send PMModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22714
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The trick to using the chrome housing is to completely grind off the chrome on the sealing surface, preferably with a belt sander, so it will still be flat. The chrome will NOT allow a tight seal because it's so "slick"...fluids will seep right past a gasket, or even silicon. If you remove the chrome, it becomes regular aluminuminum(or steel), and a normal gasket will seal. Another neat trick is to use a little wheel bearing grease on a regular paper-type gasket...works like a champ, but even that will not seal against chrome...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Kevin, don't use silicone adhesive with an o-ring, use a silicone grease on the o-ring itself, & in the groove, not on the metal to metal surfaces. O-rings need a good tolerance on the fit and chrome plating is thick and not always flat, so doing what Joel suggests would only help.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
in Forum: C3 HVAC, Fuel, Emissions, and Exhaust
Sponsored Content