Rad replacement gone bad
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 295
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From: Vancouver
Rad replacement gone bad
So my rad was leaking around the top hose inlet, rather than mess around with it, I decided to get a new rad. Whilst I was at it I thought this would be a good time to replace the thermostat.
The rad install went basically without a hitch, the thermostat not so much. Just as I was cinching up the bolts on the housing, I heard a crack and the thermostat housing spilt into 2 pieces. Admittedly I wasn't using a torque wrench, but I didn't even think it was seated. Sucks to say the least.
This wasn't the end of my problem. As I tried to remove the housing from the heater hose and vacuum tree, (it's an I6 BTW) 2 of the vacuum outlets on the tree broke, they were siliconed in place.
The whole assembly looks unlikey to disassemble after 30 of rust and crud in and around the threads, so I need to hunt down the thermostat housing, the heater hose connection and the vacuum switch/tree. so far no luck from the local parts store.
What should be the torque on the thermostat housing bolts? When I do get the parts I need, I'll be a bit gun shy tightening them up again.
The rad install went basically without a hitch, the thermostat not so much. Just as I was cinching up the bolts on the housing, I heard a crack and the thermostat housing spilt into 2 pieces. Admittedly I wasn't using a torque wrench, but I didn't even think it was seated. Sucks to say the least.
This wasn't the end of my problem. As I tried to remove the housing from the heater hose and vacuum tree, (it's an I6 BTW) 2 of the vacuum outlets on the tree broke, they were siliconed in place.
The whole assembly looks unlikey to disassemble after 30 of rust and crud in and around the threads, so I need to hunt down the thermostat housing, the heater hose connection and the vacuum switch/tree. so far no luck from the local parts store.
What should be the torque on the thermostat housing bolts? When I do get the parts I need, I'll be a bit gun shy tightening them up again.
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
I had the same thing happen on my '80 F-100. The local parts stores should have the thermostat housing, or at least they can order it. I got one just like the original from rock auto (it was a four season brand I think). I cant find the heater hose attachment though. Soak it with penetrating oil or some old ATF overnight then either put it in a vice or in a pinch bolt it back to the engine and put a big wrench on it an it will break loose. The vacuum tree prolly could be sourced through rock auto or some such place. Hope that helps you out!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Dallas, GA
Rock Auto does have what you need I believe. For the vacuum switch/tree...you have to look under emissions. If yours had 4 branches on it...they have it. It shows they only have one left.
I tried looking up the part number in the master parts catalog but couldn't seem to find it. The part number Rock Auto shows is for an EGR valve???
I tried looking up the part number in the master parts catalog but couldn't seem to find it. The part number Rock Auto shows is for an EGR valve???
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Be careful the thermostat doesn't slip out of place, that's probably how you cracked the housing. Small blocks are even worse due to the location of the housing behind the water pump.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Do you need one of the devices pictured here If so, which one?
Could it be Type 14? I've gotten that this is for the I-6, what year?
Could it be Type 14? I've gotten that this is for the I-6, what year?
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Posting Guru
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From: Newport, N.C.
Guarantee that's what happened.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Vancouver
Thanks for the responses guys, all good info. I found the housing no problem but nothing else, I could possibly salvage the heater hose connection with a bit of persuasion but the vacuum valve shows discontinued everywhere I tried.
Kevin, mine does have 4 branches but I couldn't see it on the Rock Auto website, was the one you saw for the 6 cyl? I'm sure it's for EGR valve operation so it would make sense that's where it is but I didn't see a listing for a vacuum switch.
Thanks
Kevin, mine does have 4 branches but I couldn't see it on the Rock Auto website, was the one you saw for the 6 cyl? I'm sure it's for EGR valve operation so it would make sense that's where it is but I didn't see a listing for a vacuum switch.
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, GA
Yes...for the 300 six
Go to the top of the page and there is a tab called "parts number search"...enter 12352218
Or you can look under your truck and it is in the "emissions" section under "vacuum control valve"
Go to the top of the page and there is a tab called "parts number search"...enter 12352218
Or you can look under your truck and it is in the "emissions" section under "vacuum control valve"