Intake manifold coolant fitting

[Max Power]

As many of you know, when you put an aftermarket intake on a small block Ford, the 90 degree elbow that one of the heater core hoses goes to right behind the thermostat doesn't fit. The hole in the aftermarket intake is one size bigger.

While I had little problem finding a replacement that goes straight up, I am having trouble finding a 90 degree one.

Any advice on where to get one?

 

[Ronstang]

You need a threaded bushing. It fits the hole in the manifold and then is threaded itself to accept your original fitting. I just installed an Edelbrock Performer 289 and it came with said bushing, but you should be able to find one at the auto parts store.

 

[D.Hearne]

Those threaded bushings are also available at any Lowes or Home Depot too. Look in the pipe section where the brass fittings are located.

 

[Max Power]

Dayum. I threw away my original fitting years ago. It was pretty corroded anyway.

 

[allcarfan]

Should some air hose tape be used on the threads of these plugs and bushings? Some say yes, some say no?

 

[Ronstang]

Teflon tape is fine, if that is what you mean by "air hose tape". I use the teflon paste now on all fittings requiring sealer.

 

[allcarfan]

LOL....

I had a brain fart and couldnt think of the name of teflon tape. I havent used the teflon paste yet. I have seen it on some intakes that I have bought. Seems like that stuff gets really hard and almost seizes the fitting in there. Have you ever had that problem? Of course, I am talking of the course of several years.

 

[Great68]

I just used a regular brass elbow. My stock fitting was seized to the old manifold.

Also, All I put on the threads was antiseize, and no leaks yet.

 

[Ronstang]

The paste does not glue things together. It is the sealant of choice when working on EFI fuel systems because little strings of it can't come loose and plug injectors like the tape can. I started using the paste about 10 years ago when I started working on the EFI systems and I have never looked back as the paste is superior to the tape. I even use it on head/intake bolts because not only does it seal it acts like a lubricant for accurate torqueing.

 

[D.Hearne]

I also use the paste only, never did like screwing with that damn tape Never had any fitting seize in the intake either because of it. It's also handy on the water pump bolts too, some of the small block ones are open to the water jackets too. Used it on the drain & fill plugs on the Toploader 4 speed also. It's uses are endless.