C1 Coolant leaks
I back flushed the radiator and engine block on my '61. With everything connected back up I noticed that the draincock leaked slightly. Tightening the draincock itself (not the butterfly) did not help. I ended up buying a new draincock and using teflon sealing tape this time. That solved it. Then I noticed that the left engine drain plug was also leaking slightly. I drained the block, cleaned up the threads and used teflon sealing tape on the threads. No more leaks. I have never had to use the sealing tape before on my Corvettes. Is this a good idea?
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Re: C1 Coolant leaks
Art,
If it works it's a good idea. Some use Permatex, some use silicone or other sealers. Maybe even antisieze. the tape is good but it shows. It' always good to use a sealer to seal and stop corrosion between the 2 parts.
DOM -
Re: C1 Coolant leaks
I use "pipe dope" on the block drain plugs and other NPT threads. It's designed for water sealing water and steam fittings and should be available at any hardware store. The next best thing is anti-seize compound.
The one exception is the temperature sender. It needs good continuity with the engine or the gage reading may be inaccurate. That one you tighten just enough to seal.
I'm not aware that there are any torque specs for NPT threads. The rule is to tighten them enough to seal. Most block drain plugs get installed too tight without any type of sealing compound, and that's why they are often difficult to remove years later. My rule of thumb for block drain plugs is no more than 10 lb-ft with sealer or anti-seize.
DukeComment
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Re: C1 Coolant leaks
Domenic and Duke:
Thanks for the tips. Coolant and oil leaks can be some of the more aggravating things on these old Corvettes. Knowing how to best eliminate them is good.
ArtComment
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