Coolant Return Line Question
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96 LT1...Coolant return line comes from back of heads, through throttle body, then back to radiator. For some reason, the previous owner cut the nipple off the radiator for this return line and put a screw in it to "seal" it (which is not working). Then they blocked the return coolant at the throttle body, so the coolant comes out of the heads, goes into the throttle body and stops there and has nowhere to go. This can't be good right? This is just like plugging the back of the heads off. What will the result be if this was left alone?
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The hose right under the cap goes to the overflow tank. The one under that is what you are referring to and that's the one that is "missing" from this radiator. I know how to bypass the throttle body, but there's nowhere to connect the hose coming from the back of the heads. My question is, and it's pretty much retorical just to confirm my thinking; what would happen if you just plugged off the back of the heads? This is essentially what the previous owner did to this car, which I'm assuming is why he blew through 2 sets of head gaskets and sold me the car for cheap. I just put a stock motor in the car so I can sell it and make a few dollars. Looks like I will need a new radiator.
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You need a new radiator if the nipple is broke off. The head pipe hose should either go to the TB or the Radiator. That line flows a good amount of coolant through it and is very helpful in keeping the temp down . Also very easy for air pockets to form in this tube since its one of the highest places the coolant travels
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Yup, new radiator it is......for my car. This car is getting my old radiator. In the past year or so I've sold 2 radiators out of parts cars I've acquired leaving me with zero extra radiators. Oh well, I'll have me a nice new one for my car now for $110, which ain't too bad.