Thread: Coolant elbow exploeded

most parts stores carry it, its next to the plastic crap ones in the HELP section. dorman makes em.

they are sold as a pair, you change em both.

you take the alt off, and then the alt bracket, both elbows are fitted to this bracket.

I've read that a little RTV on the O-Rings helps the metal ones seal better, might not hurt. Probably not necessary though, my metal ones were put on with motor oil as a lubricant and no RTV, and haven't leaked at all.

thats all i'd do, clean the holes real good, make sure theres no plastic elbow left in any of the holes, oil the O rings with motor oil, slide them all in.


the how to. http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...coolant+elbows

Your local auto part store should have them.
47065HP is the part number and yes add a small amount of RTV on the ends to help seal better.

Originally Posted by Javi

Your local auto part store should have them.
47065HP is the part number and yes add a small amount of RTV on the ends to help seal better.

Zero need for RTV. All I ever put on them is a little bit of coolant to lube them. My plastic ones never leaked for over two years and only got changed to aluminum because the plastic one blew.

Originally Posted by GTP131

I've read that a little RTV on the O-Rings helps the metal ones seal better, might not hurt. Probably not necessary though, my metal ones were put on with motor oil as a lubricant and no RTV, and haven't leaked at all.

Once I switched over to using the GM o-rings they seal much better than what comes with them.

Still don't understand why anyhow has trouble with an elbow sealing.

Elbow Sealing

Probably because they've used RTV before and left a lip, leaving an uneven seating surface for the o-ring that eventually leaks, or failed to 'Clean Out' the holes properly, thereby achieving the same result. Lolz...

Anyways, I agree, no extra sealing required, they work just fine as they're made, if plastic is used, then they should be changed out on regular maintenance interval, especially for the few $ they cost...
Pre-lubing the rings with a little silicone or likewise will aid seating and keep rings in shape longer.

Originally Posted by coolone

Probably because they've used RTV before and left a lip, leaving an uneven seating surface for the o-ring that eventually leaks, or failed to 'Clean Out' the holes properly, thereby achieving the same result. Lolz...

Anyways, I agree, no extra sealing required, they work just fine as they're made, if plastic is used, then they should be changed out on regular maintenance interval, especially for the few $ they cost...
Pre-lubing the rings with a little silicone or likewise will aid seating and keep rings in shape longer.

As I replaced mine with aluminum ones on Friday following Bill's write-up, I have no leaks and used no RTV either. The upper engine side hole clearly had a ring of crap in it that a few seconds with some fine scotch-brite pad cleaned right up.

Pre-lubing the rings are a must, and another reason for leaks is people do that wrong too. Can't just slap some grease on the outside and shove it in. Make sure the whole o-ring has a coating, twist it and roll it around to coat it fully before installing it.

IndustrialF.. I just lube the outside.. never rolling the rings.

Vic.. if you fully insert the elbow..it won't be at 90 degrees and the plastic ones tend to distort shape then blow. Totally agree about the PS fluid.