Just curious what you guys do to block the coolant bypass on the thermostat housing? I used a generic rubber plug but it appears like it wont last long.
I tapped the thermostat housing & installed a 3/8" NPT pipe plug. If you can find an anodized aluminum one they work better...and they're prettier. I used a brand new t-stat housing from the parts store. Aluminum. The old one was getting nasty.
I did purchase a new one awhile back from the zone, but it was cast iron. So i had considered the tap and plug but the hassel of it all, ugh, and those billet ones do look good but geez at the price. Thanks, if the jb(or epoxy) wont work i probably will tap it.
I tried to tap my cast iron housing and it cracked down the side of the nipple. I even went and bought the correct size drill bit.
1st. one i did i cut the nipple off and threaded it for a short bolt. 2nd. one i cut it off and threaded it for a brass plug (mounted from the inside out) making it flush with the outside. ......
And why do you say it won't last long. Have had a rubber cover over the nipple for probably 5+ years and it still looks good.............although I probably will replace it when I get a new radiator.....................it will work fine.................IMHO
I put one just like that on mine a couple montha ago and after the first trip to town and back its cracking badly. Maybe i just got some cheap ones?
This is a breather rubber grommet, the kind you cut the hole in to push a valve cover breather into. It is just cut off at the top. Has been working fine for a long time. IMHO
I thought about the JB weld deal. But I've seen it come out of different things that were under pressure and/or heat and I didn't fully trust it. Last thing you need (or I need) is for the plug of JB to come out & puke water at 120+ mph at the strip. Water under the tires is nasty.....and I'm only running 1/8 mile. 1/4 mile its even more important. Advance auto parts carries new aluminum thermostat housings for like $8. I got mine there and drilled/tapped the hole for a 1/4 NPT plug (or was it 3/8"...can't remember). Less chance for an NPT plug to come out than a big ol plug of JB weld IMO.
I have the pretty billet thermostat housing and it was already threaded. But then I had to buy it since it matched my purple accessory themed motor.
