Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Matt Cramer · 12-23-2013, 09:46 AM

I've got just a few things left to do to get my swap running. One is plumbing up the steam line. I was thinking of trying to run it to the 3/4" fitting on the stock radiator. Is there any fitting that's an easy way to adapt this - maybe one that screws into it, or brazes on? How did you guys running stock radiators handle the steam line (and if it wasn't plumbed to the 3/4" fitting, what did you use to block that off)?

**Clyde65** · 12-23-2013, 10:22 AM

I used an adapter from here

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Cooling-S...rts_Order.html

Billett · 12-23-2013, 11:41 AM

Mine rad came with a plug, I ran my steam vent to the top of the water pump. Just drill and tap.

ls1nova71 · 12-23-2013, 12:02 PM

I used my original 4 core, just took it to the radiator shop and had a brass fitting brazed in the tank. I wanted to have it boiled out anyway, so it was a two birds with one stone kind of deal.

71chevystep4x4 · 12-23-2013, 08:20 PM

I ran mine to a T fitting on the heater hose, didn't want to go too in depth with the radiator.

**TR65** · 12-23-2013, 10:48 PM

I used an AN bulkhead fitting and an o-ring washer. Just drill a hole in the tank near the filler cap so you can reach in and tighten the bulkhead nut. No trouble after a couple of years.

This follows GM's recommendation to plumb the steam line to the highest point in the cooling system.

TR

Blackpony · 12-24-2013, 01:03 PM

I went to oreillys and bought a t fitting and attached it to the heater hose coming off the water pump.

Jon01 · 12-24-2013, 11:06 PM

I drill and tap the pad on the top of the water pump, insert a small hose barb and run the line there. I've done it on several swaps without issue.

Blackpony · 12-26-2013, 04:40 PM

^^ that's a good idea! I may switch mine as the t fitting I am using is a 3/8 barb so I am having to use a reducer since the crossover tube is 1/4. Bugs me haha

12-23-2013, 09:46 AM	#1
Matt Cramer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Covington, GA Posts: 386	Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? I've got just a few things left to do to get my swap running. One is plumbing up the steam line. I was thinking of trying to run it to the 3/4" fitting on the stock radiator. Is there any fitting that's an easy way to adapt this - maybe one that screws into it, or brazes on? How did you guys running stock radiators handle the steam line (and if it wasn't plumbed to the 3/4" fitting, what did you use to block that off)? __________________ Matt Cramer 1972 Chevy C10 - 4.8 swap, long bed, and maybe one dent free body panel somewhere - SOLD 4.8 LS build thread

12-23-2013, 10:22 AM	#2
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? I used an adapter from here http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Cooling-S...rts_Order.html __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

12-23-2013, 11:41 AM	#3
Billett Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Pittsgrove, NJ Posts: 1,502	Re: Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? Mine rad came with a plug, I ran my steam vent to the top of the water pump. Just drill and tap. __________________ Will 1968 C10 - Project Texa Go 6.0/4L80e 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2002 Ford Excursion 7.3L 2024 Toyota Sienna

12-23-2013, 12:02 PM	#4
ls1nova71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Independence Mo Posts: 4,119	Re: Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? I used my original 4 core, just took it to the radiator shop and had a brass fitting brazed in the tank. I wanted to have it boiled out anyway, so it was a two birds with one stone kind of deal. __________________ My '72 short bed build. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...6-0-4l80e.html 5.3 swap into my RUSTY '71 C10 http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...71-c-10-a.html

12-23-2013, 08:20 PM	#5
71chevystep4x4 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Milwaukie OR Posts: 135	Re: Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? I ran mine to a T fitting on the heater hose, didn't want to go too in depth with the radiator.

12-23-2013, 10:48 PM	#6
TR65 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 873	Re: Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? I used an AN bulkhead fitting and an o-ring washer. Just drill a hole in the tank near the filler cap so you can reach in and tighten the bulkhead nut. No trouble after a couple of years. This follows GM's recommendation to plumb the steam line to the highest point in the cooling system. TR Attached Images __________________ 1965 C10 SWB Fleet Two owner LS2 Swap Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413880

12-24-2013, 01:03 PM	#7
Blackpony Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Aubrey, TX Posts: 308	Re: Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? I went to oreillys and bought a t fitting and attached it to the heater hose coming off the water pump.

12-24-2013, 11:06 PM	#8
Jon01 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: West Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 450	Re: Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? I drill and tap the pad on the top of the water pump, insert a small hose barb and run the line there. I've done it on several swaps without issue.

12-26-2013, 04:40 PM	#9
Blackpony Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Aubrey, TX Posts: 308	Re: Steam line to stock radiator fitting - any easy options? ^^ that's a good idea! I may switch mine as the t fitting I am using is a 3/8 barb so I am having to use a reducer since the crossover tube is 1/4. Bugs me haha



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