I tore my coolant pipe to pieces trying to get it off my heads. After 2 hours, I had completely rounded off the bolts that are on the outside holding the pipe to the back of the heads (why are the heads so SMALL and SHALLOW on those... ARGH). I was POed, so I took a cutter and cut the damn pipe in half, and took the heads off. My question(s) are

1: What's the part number (s) for the pipe, the bolts, the big round things that the bolts bolt in/though. I'm gonna need to replace it ALL

2: Do said big round things that the bolts bolt through and the pipes stick into, come off?

3: How the hell are you supposed to get these off in one piece, anyway?

4: I found that 15mm was the closest to fitting on there I could get. It was pretty tight, what IS the right size?

5: Any bright ideas for getting them off now that I have the heads in front of me (374 castings. Yay)

 

Part numbers are on my page:

1993-1994 steam pipe behind heads, incl bolts, seals and hose to radiator
10108635

1995-1997 steam pipe behind heads, incl bolts and seals
12556260

15mm is the correct wrench size.

All the round seals come off, but can be sticky.

Do what you gotta do, now that you have the heads off.

 

Any idea what the bolt size is? I'm gonna see if I can't find a replacement with a longer head.

 

The bolts are special bolts that you have to get at the dealer. They are hollow and have holes in them to all the coolant to flow into the pipe through the banjo connection.

 

that part isnt that much $ from Jason. I replaced mine because I dented it. I still have it floating around in the garage some where. (Bolts and line) I just don't know if the seals are still around. Let me know if your interested. James

 

They're called banjo bolts, they'll cost about $11 at the dealer for both. Of course you'll have to help the person look them up, because they'll have no idea what you're talking about.

Nevermind, I see Rob gave you some P/Ns, so it shouldn't be too hard.

 

The p/ns I gave above are a "package" that has the line, bolts and seals. Each item has individual p/ns also.

 

It helps to mention that the banjo bolts were changed in 1995 up cars. the boltheads on the newer versions are taller to prevent them from rounding (a common problem) I paid $47 for the whole kit 95+

 

Dont know if this helps but I just put regular bolts in there and did away with the whole line... TB bypass... Been this way for a few years with no problems...

 

Wouldnt it be a good idea to tap the heads for an npt fitting and run a line for the steam fittings. You could use T's and such to tie it together, would only take a couple feet of line and a few fittings to complete... I would think.

 

Seems like it would not be a wise idea to remove an important part of the reverse flow system that is meant to remove any steam pockets that might form in the heads.

 

Goood to know . Rounded the other bolt trying to get it off, with the heads OFF the car. Go figure. Time for vicegrips

 

DONT REMOVE> Tap for NPT fittings and Install a cool stainless line, heatwrap it if you must. It will be much better then the stiff stock one. Install with a couple bolts and a strap to hold the tube. it would rock. I am definately doing things like that during my heads cam upgrade...

 

I feel your pain, both mine stripped. Let me know how you get them off.

 

Gm wasnt atupid most of the stuff on cars are there for a reason not for removal. Gm is cheap if it didnt have to be there it wouldnt be, i say leave the pipe.