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Recipe for disaster?

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In the process of installing my temperature sensor inline in my lower coolant hose (the return hose to the water pump) I had to shorten the OE stainless "S-shaped" pipe and install the "Tee" (OE Tee from top hose for pollution stuff that no one uses anymore). If you are confused, you should see the Rube Goldberg setup I have, 6 (six) hose clamps! I don't think I can drive down the highway without thinking about one or more of the six clamps leaking. A thought would be to have a stainless bung welded (or brazed) into the pipe that would hold the 3/8 NPT sensor, finding such a fitting would be virtually impossible around here. But of course I already cut my pipe. DS. The smart thing to do would have been to have the fitting made into the aluminum rad. But that is too late. Plan B???

Bill
 
hey I take it you and your car survived Ms. Katrina! Lowe's and HomeDepot have brass plumbing fittings, a machine shop could braze one or tap a thread to a pipe. get a new pipe and start over. I've had to manufacture stuff that just doesn't exist, but like John Lennon said: "nothing you can do that hasn't been done". I always find an equivalent part that is used in something different. Aircraft parts: there's a place in Orlando Florida called Skycraft Surplus,(www.skycraftsurplus.com). They have so much stuff there that can be used in old cars, it takes days to see the entire store. -don't bother with their website, they just don't show the stuff- From Grommets to Fittings to you name it, you'll find it there. Otherwise I'm outta here this is not my normal forum.
 
Hi Bill,

You might check with any local exhaust system installers. They often work with stainless steel and many modern cars have bungs installed in the exhaust pipes, for oxygen sensors and such. They might have the part you need and the means to install it. You might also need a ground wire connection, although that can be pretty simple, perhaps just a small stainless bolt with the head cut off, tack welded onto the pipe.

A bit of a hassle to do now, but I'm sure the radiator shop could add a bung to the bottom of the radiator, if you wish.

I agree, the fewer hose clamp connections, the better! Each one is a leak waiting to happen. However, if you can't find another means of installing the the sensor elsewhere, there are better quality hose clamps available that might make you feel a little more secure.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
What's another week, I waited this long. I ordered a new ss coolant downpipe from Moss online. I will find a stainless 3/8 NPT fitting somewhere and have it TIG welded in the side of the pipe. The manufacturer of the radiator makes an issue of not using brass fittings in the radiator or even in the cooling system. Well, the little water temp sender for the dash temp gauge will just have to stay. Enough is enough! I'm tired. I finally bolted my oil pan on and filled the sump. Guess what I forgot to do.....

Time to shut er down.

Bill
 
All five quarts..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Bill
 
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