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Topic: Anti Freeze

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


Anti Freeze

Posted: 8/10/08 8:16pm Message 1 of 21
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484
Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.
About two weeks ago I noticed a small puddle of anti freeze on my intake manifold just behind the thermostat housing.
I snugged down the two bolts on the thermostat housing and tightened the upper hose clamp just a turn. It seemed like the problem was solved.
 
My Vette sat unstarted for a week while I was away on vacation. Today I started it and let it run for 10 minutes. Then I noticed the antifreeze puddle behind the thermostat housing and also along the inboard side of the passenger side valve cover.
 
Any ideas for an amateur like me?
 
 
KDADDY792008-08-10 20:17:45


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Anti Freeze

Posted: 8/10/08 9:29pm Message 2 of 21
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Both my white79 and 78SA had that leak. Both got new upper heater hoses. Seemed the rubber was crushed by the clamp over the years and tightening just didn't help any more.


Anti Freeze

Posted: 8/11/08 5:06am Message 3 of 21
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
Mike's right on target...check the heater hose on the intake, pass side front. They can collapse at the clamp, and have a little spray when running, as well as seepage while sitting.


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Anti Freeze

Posted: 8/11/08 7:40am Message 4 of 21
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484
Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.
Thanks for the input!
I just gave it another look and that makes perfect sense. I'm thinkin' this is something I'll do myself right here in my driveway.



Anti Freeze

Posted: 8/18/08 5:37pm Message 5 of 21
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484
Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.
You guys were right on the $$$!!!
Me and my Craftsman DIYer tools got this job all finished up today.
I even put in a valve on each heater hose to cut down on scorching my feets on those hot days.Big%20smile
Thanks for your input!
Kevin



Anti Freeze

Posted: 9/8/08 5:44pm Message 6 of 21
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484
Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.
Well, the antifreeze leak has returned.
 
I removed the thermostat housing. (It's a chrome one with a round robber gasket on the bottom.) I pulled off the rubber gasket and used a Fel Pro gasket with some sealer on both sides of it. I reinstalled the thermostat housing and kept an eye on it while the motor warmed up. No leaks.
However, after driving the car home I let it sit in the driveway with the hood open to cool down. After about an hour of coolong the darn intifreeze is leaking from between the thermostat housing and the intake manifold.
 
Any suggestions?



Anti Freeze

Posted: 9/8/08 5:55pm Message 7 of 21
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The round rubber gasket........is it an "O" ring?


corvette440hp

Anti Freeze

Posted: 9/8/08 6:01pm Message 8 of 21
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484
Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.

An "O" Ring sounds like a good description. It's about the size of the outer edge of a silver dollar.

I removed it and hoped that the standard gasket would work better.
NOT!



Anti Freeze

Posted: 9/8/08 6:19pm Message 9 of 21
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The swivel necks usually have an "O" ring. You really need to get the proper "O" ring, put a little Vasolene on it to lubricate it, and put everything back together. Boy you're having all kinds of fun lately. The joys of owning a C3!


corvette440hp

Anti Freeze

Posted: 9/8/08 6:30pm Message 10 of 21
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484
Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.
The joys of owning a C3!
Today, while all dirty and sweaty, I had the thought, "It still beats workin'." Big%20smile
 
Can I buy a new "O" Ring at just about any auto parts  store? Or should I just replace the whole Thermo. Housing that does not swivel?
 
P.S. The intake manifold is an Edelbrock, if that's any help.



in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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