Steam tube not flowing coolant.
06-13-2011, 09:05 AM
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Steam tube not flowing coolant. I have been having problems with my LQ4 creeping up to 200-210 even with a 160* t-stat. After checking a few things I refilled my system and noticed that I never saw water flowing out of my steam tube. I know this isn't normal but what could be the cause? Also could this be the reason my temps keep creeping up?
06-13-2011, 09:48 AM
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Well, It is the stock location for a 89 Camaro. BTW I filled the system through the upper radiator hose just to make sure I was coming from the highest point and still nothing. My next idea is to crack open the ECT sensor to see if coolant flowed from there. I know it isn't at the very top but it might help.
06-13-2011, 09:54 AM
#4
Unbolt one of the steam tube fittings when filling the radiator. Bolt it back in place once you get coolant out of it. Putting the front end on jack stands to get the radiator higher helps also.
Another option is hooking up a mytivac to the steam tube while filling.
Another option is hooking up a mytivac to the steam tube while filling.
06-13-2011, 11:52 AM
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06-13-2011, 02:45 PM
#7
This part will help you determine if you have not completely filled your cooling system:
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Par...ightGlass.html
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Par...ightGlass.html
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06-13-2011, 03:07 PM
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This part will help you determine if you have not completely filled your cooling system:
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Par...ightGlass.html
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Par...ightGlass.html
06-13-2011, 03:50 PM
#10
Thats pretty cool right there. Call me crazy but if you have the straight neck T-stat housing with old school t-stat what is the correct way to fill these things? If you try and fill it from the radiator (lower rad hose) it never gets into the engine. Maybe the way I'm doing it is causing the problem. I fill the system from the upper radiator hose.
The old style small-block thermostat will not work well in the LSx. The LSx uses a diverter style thermostat.
The old small-block uses a bypass style of thermostat.
What this means is that using the old style thermostat will allow hot coolant to recirculate through the engine, instead of being diverted to the radiator. This can cause the engine to run hot.
Because the thermostat is incorrect, it may be a reason that coolant does not flow from the steam vent tube. It may be a reason, but then again, it may not.
To help solve your coolant issues, install a thermostat designed for the LSx.
06-13-2011, 04:32 PM
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I'm calling you crazy.
The old style small-block thermostat will not work well in the LSx. The LSx uses a diverter style thermostat.
The old small-block uses a bypass style of thermostat.
What this means is that using the old style thermostat will allow hot coolant to recirculate through the engine, instead of being diverted to the radiator. This can cause the engine to run hot.
Because the thermostat is incorrect, it may be a reason that coolant does not flow from the steam vent tube. It may be a reason, but then again, it may not.
To help solve your coolant issues, install a thermostat designed for the LSx.
The old style small-block thermostat will not work well in the LSx. The LSx uses a diverter style thermostat.
The old small-block uses a bypass style of thermostat.
What this means is that using the old style thermostat will allow hot coolant to recirculate through the engine, instead of being diverted to the radiator. This can cause the engine to run hot.
Because the thermostat is incorrect, it may be a reason that coolant does not flow from the steam vent tube. It may be a reason, but then again, it may not.
To help solve your coolant issues, install a thermostat designed for the LSx.
06-13-2011, 05:10 PM
#13
I'm calling you crazy.
The old style small-block thermostat will not work well in the LSx. The LSx uses a diverter style thermostat.
The old small-block uses a bypass style of thermostat.
What this means is that using the old style thermostat will allow hot coolant to recirculate through the engine, instead of being diverted to the radiator. This can cause the engine to run hot.
Because the thermostat is incorrect, it may be a reason that coolant does not flow from the steam vent tube. It may be a reason, but then again, it may not.
To help solve your coolant issues, install a thermostat designed for the LSx.
The old style small-block thermostat will not work well in the LSx. The LSx uses a diverter style thermostat.
The old small-block uses a bypass style of thermostat.
What this means is that using the old style thermostat will allow hot coolant to recirculate through the engine, instead of being diverted to the radiator. This can cause the engine to run hot.
Because the thermostat is incorrect, it may be a reason that coolant does not flow from the steam vent tube. It may be a reason, but then again, it may not.
To help solve your coolant issues, install a thermostat designed for the LSx.
Pat
06-13-2011, 06:43 PM
#14
Do you need this stupid 'steam tube' if you're running a pressurized coolant bottle and that bottle happens to be the highest point in the cooling system? Reason I ask is because I do NOT want to run coolant hoses to my throttle body.
06-13-2011, 08:47 PM
#16
06-13-2011, 11:06 PM
#17
Lots of debate on your question kendogg. Design is to relieve steam in the heads to prevent hot pockets. Some folks are plugging it and claim no problems. My faith is with the engineers who designed it and convinced the GM bean counters they need to spend the money to put it on every LS based car and truck motor.
Pat
Pat
06-13-2011, 11:07 PM
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Well it turned out that my steam tube was infact clogged. I took it off and used compressed air to clear it out. I will have to drive it one day this week to see if it helps with tempeture creeping up. I also believe my inter cooler maybe blocking too much air but we will see. Thanks folks!
06-13-2011, 11:11 PM
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I'm calling you crazy.
The old style small-block thermostat will not work well in the LSx. The LSx uses a diverter style thermostat.
The old small-block uses a bypass style of thermostat.
What this means is that using the old style thermostat will allow hot coolant to recirculate through the engine, instead of being diverted to the radiator. This can cause the engine to run hot.
Because the thermostat is incorrect, it may be a reason that coolant does not flow from the steam vent tube. It may be a reason, but then again, it may not.
To help solve your coolant issues, install a thermostat designed for the LSx.
The old style small-block thermostat will not work well in the LSx. The LSx uses a diverter style thermostat.
The old small-block uses a bypass style of thermostat.
What this means is that using the old style thermostat will allow hot coolant to recirculate through the engine, instead of being diverted to the radiator. This can cause the engine to run hot.
Because the thermostat is incorrect, it may be a reason that coolant does not flow from the steam vent tube. It may be a reason, but then again, it may not.
To help solve your coolant issues, install a thermostat designed for the LSx.
06-13-2011, 11:26 PM
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Thanks,
Tim