Thread: Plastic or Aluminum replacement part

I had the plastic L shaped piece going from the manifold to the belt tensioner blow/break off (no where to be found) while driving. When I went to the parts store they had 2 different types. One made out of plastic and one made out of aluminum. Obviously the aluminum one would not do the same thing again but here is my question. Is that piece meant to be a weak point so damage would not happen else where? It was replaced about 6 months ago. I'm not sure what would have caused that to happen to begin with. Stuck thermostat building up pressure?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Kurt

The plastic coolant elbows have been a thorn in 3800 owner's sides for years, get the aluminum ones and don't look back.

Make sure you clean out the hole in the LIM where the elbow goes before you reinstall the new one, and lube the o-rings of the new one a bit before you install. It has to go in straight otherwise it may leak again as well so make sure it doesn't shift when you reinstall the tensioner assembly.

If your rad cap is working it shouldn't be building pressure. Likely was a bad install of the plastic one. Don't forget to bleed the air out of the cooling system afterwards. Instructions on this can be found here on the site.

Originally Posted by FordMan77

If your rad cap is working it shouldn't be building pressure. Likely was a bad install of the plastic one. Don't forget to bleed the air out of the cooling system afterwards. Instructions on this can be found here on the site.

Whatchu talking about Willis? the pressure will build until 16psi then it vents into the overflow.

Jeff

Thank you for the input everyone.

Alright the aluminum pieces are in. I replaced the radiator cap and made sure the return tube was clean just in case.

All seems to be well, no leaking, mystery disappearance of fluid, engine codes. BUT now my gas millage seems to have been cut almost in half.
I was getting 28-29 and now I'm getting 14-15 driving the same route.

I'm almost afraid to ask what that might be.

But I will anyway.

Thoughts?

did you have the battery unhook during this process? sounds like computer is relearning.

It was disconnected but I've never had it react this way before. The drive I test on is a 15 mile stretch of freeway with the cruise at 60. I use the same test every time and this is the first time it's been this low. I do this test every couple of months just to see what I'm getting for millage.

Originally Posted by J57ltr

Whatchu talking about Willis? the pressure will build until 16psi then it vents into the overflow.

Jeff

Yes, you're right. What I should have said is that the system shouldn't exceed the 16psi rating of the cap. Anything in excess of this is an issue.