Adjusting Coolant Inlet Elbow

Hello Mr Wizard,

Thanks for the update. I have done the coolant pump without problems. Not yet the cylinder head. What I did not know was the ID of the coolant elbows. This is 13.85mm. I turned up some alu rod for the tool because I have this. Wood has the significant advantage of not removing the heat, or burning your fingers if you leave the tool in the elbow while heating it.  I think a metric thread file will clean up the threads nicely and is cheaper and less risky than most taps.

577 appears to be higher temperature compared to 243 and according to the specs sheet, you need 250º to disassemble. It does have good gap filling properties and perhaps this is why it would be used. Assuming I am reading the specs sheet correctly, at 120º it is less than half the strength of 25º so maybe it is actually easier to remove. With burned fingers!

JC

"577 appears to be higher temperature compared to 243 and according to the specs sheet,"

I've been using Loctite 648 for 25 years for leaks on the elbows or just re-aligning them. Never had another leak o or issue. 648 seals really well and it won't break loose under the engine heat. Put it on all the treads and NOT just a drop on them. I also use a small metal brush to clean out the threads. Since it's aluminum and don't use anything that might damage the threads.