Pulled my engine, what the hell is this?
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage.. but currently in Ft. Benning
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Pulled my engine, what the hell is this?
So we pulled the ole LT1 out of my 1994 to do a refresh on her and in the back of the engine there is a coolant line that bolts into each head. I was wondering what exactly is its purpose? Does it have anything to do with the throttle body?
#4
#5
It is a steam pipe or also called a coolant crossover pipe. If I were you I would keep this pipe in good condition for reuse. It may not look like much but I just had to dish out $100.00 for a new one.
#6
yep its the steam tube and it is extremely important... not only steam goes through it... i ran my electric water pump with the radiator cap open cause i was making sure it was completley full and alot of fluid moves through it back into the radiator so it is more of a fluid return from the heads than an actual steam pipe though i guess it would act as one under extreme conditions.
#7
Vents air and steam bubbles out of the back of the heads, along with a healthy flow of coolant. I have a coolant temperature sensor in the line at the point where it turns into a rubber hose (93/94 goes directly to the radiator, 95-97 goes thru the throttle body first). There is supposed to be a vapor/liquid separator in the radiator where the line connects. Remove the system, and you will probably overheat #7 and #8.
#9
#14
I used NPT fittings, "great white" high temp/high pressure thread paste, and some high temp coolant hose to replace mine.
Dealer wanted rediculous cash for it, but I spent between 15 and 20 bucks for the whole setup doing it myself. Did not notice any difference since you cannot measure hotspots, but it is also slightly wider diameter then the stock line so in theory should vent steam pockets and flow coolant quicker.
Dealer wanted rediculous cash for it, but I spent between 15 and 20 bucks for the whole setup doing it myself. Did not notice any difference since you cannot measure hotspots, but it is also slightly wider diameter then the stock line so in theory should vent steam pockets and flow coolant quicker.
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