Engine questions on 351m/400 engine
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,462
Likes: 2,942
From: Reed Point, MT
Chisel, hammer, and pipe tap.
Chisel out the pieces of old fitting without bunging up the threads too bad. Then send an appropriately-sized tap in the hole. Use some sealant and install a new fitting.
Chisel out the pieces of old fitting without bunging up the threads too bad. Then send an appropriately-sized tap in the hole. Use some sealant and install a new fitting.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,618
Likes: 1,186
From: San Jose, CA
Common problem that I’m surprise isn’t discussed here more often. The original ones just rust fairly early in life, or totally turned to dust where they enter the block.
Mine was starting to deteriorate when it was less than 10 years old.
I’m trying to remember where I bought one, but I hadn’t ever seen them for sale at the local parts stores like you could buy every day for a Chevy.
Oddly enough I think I got mine at the dealer. But I did get one, so that’s the good news. It was 20 years ago though, so that’s the bad news.
I’ll see if I can find the source.
But now that I think about it, it might’ve come from a local engine rebuilder shop.
If you have any of those left in your area you might ask if they have one.
Or just check on Summit or jags first.
good luck!
Mine was starting to deteriorate when it was less than 10 years old.
I’m trying to remember where I bought one, but I hadn’t ever seen them for sale at the local parts stores like you could buy every day for a Chevy.
Oddly enough I think I got mine at the dealer. But I did get one, so that’s the good news. It was 20 years ago though, so that’s the bad news.
I’ll see if I can find the source.
But now that I think about it, it might’ve come from a local engine rebuilder shop.
If you have any of those left in your area you might ask if they have one.
Or just check on Summit or jags first.
good luck!
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 506
From: Pa.
Rigid makes a pipe nipple extractor that works real well if that's your problem?
https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/pipe-extractors
https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/pipe-extractors
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,861
Likes: 2,624
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I once used a long skinny awl and inserted it between the block and remains of the old pipe nipple, drove it in to created a reverse curve in the nipple which loosened it, pulled it out. Pop new one from NAPA in.
Running just water in the cooling system kills them.
Nice to have.
Running just water in the cooling system kills them.
Rigid makes a pipe nipple extractor that works real well if that's your problem?
https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/pipe-extractors
https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/pipe-extractors
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,035
Likes: 894
From: East Central Ia
Just pressed in like water pump fitting. Use the punch and pliers. Any auto supply store should have a 4-season catalog. Last couple water pumps I bought came with 2 press in fittings in the box, one for 3/4 hose and other for 5/8 hose. Clean the block hole with round wire brush a little gasket shellac on fitting tap in and your good to go.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 996
Likes: 318
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Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Reed Point, MT
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 506
From: Pa.
Your advice:
The point is there are no threads ! You can't be right all the time Cletus. 
"Chisel out the pieces of old fitting without bunging up the threads too bad. Then send an appropriately-sized tap in the hole."
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
unless you run across one like i fixed where I threaded it and put in a pipe nipple!
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