Coolant Cross-over help

[Buck]

So, I did not know that is what every one called those. But yes, I finally found it out. out of two mechanics, they told me I needed O-rings for both sides since that is where the leak is. I picked them up today thinking I can finally get that fixed. Oh no....I get told by the mechanic at the Honda shop that I also need the gaskets. WTF??? I wished someone would have told me that when I ordered the O-rings.

But here is what I need help on, I can either pay one mechanic that is fairly reliable $60 to fix it, or I could pay the Honda shop at least $130 or more to do it. Is there a step by step guide so I could do it and save some money? Picture step-by-step tutorial would be best for my skills.

 

[Steve83]

It's extremely easy!

1. Drain coolant.
2. Remove 2 bolts securing elbow to head.
3. Remove elbow - may require careful tapping.
4. Pull tube from thermostat housing.
5. Remove o-rings (1 at each end of tube).
6. Clean sealing surfaces.
7. Install o-rings on tube and lightly lubricate.
8. Install tube into thermostat housing.
9. Apply gasket sealer to elbow and gasket, and install elbow. It should be a tight fit against the o-rings to align the 2 bolts.
10. Repeat on other side. Fill system and check for leaks.

It should take less than an hour to do the entire job, unless things are really dirty.

 

[brianinpa]

For gaskets I used a sheet of gasket material and made my own.

 

[Buck]

Steve83 » Fri May 16, 2014 5:56 pm[/url]":35iinozc]
It's extremely easy!

1. Drain coolant.
2. Remove 2 bolts securing elbow to head.
3. Remove elbow - may require careful tapping.
4. Pull tube from thermostat housing.
5. Remove o-rings (1 at each end of tube).
6. Clean sealing surfaces.
7. Install o-rings on tube and lightly lubricate.
8. Install tube into thermostat housing.
9. Apply gasket sealer to elbow and gasket, and install elbow. It should be a tight fit against the o-rings to align the 2 bolts.
10. Repeat on other side. Fill system and check for leaks.

It should take less than an hour to do the entire job, unless things are really dirty.

I keep Bear as clean as I can. If I can get some help from my buddy I will just do this myself. Thanks.

 

[Buck]

brianinpa » Fri May 16, 2014 6:54 pm[/url]":3icoe2uu]
For gaskets I used a sheet of gasket material and made my own.

eh, would cost more for me to buy the materials then just to spend the $9.50 for both sides. Other wise I would just make my own.

 

[joedrum]

cereal boxes cost nothing LOL

 

[brianinpa]

Buck » Fri May 16, 2014 9:07 pm[/url]":1fheleu4]

brianinpa » Fri May 16, 2014 6:54 pm[/url]":1fheleu4]
For gaskets I used a sheet of gasket material and made my own.

eh, would cost more for me to buy the materials then just to spend the $9.50 for both sides. Other wise I would just make my own.

Oh but one roll will last a long time and make a lot of gaskets.

 

[ekvh]

A word of caution on the bolts holding the elbows to the head. Take your time as I have read of many who have snapped them off. Use anti-seize when reinstalling. It's also very easy to bugger the o-rings when reinstalling. Grease them up.

 

[Joep]

Oh but one roll will last a long time and make a lot of gaskets.

And keep the cereal in the box, too! :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

 

[shierh]

I used locktite blue on all the engine bolts. Seals thread and keeps tight.

 

[ekvh]

Edit

 

[Buck]

just so I am clear, if i drain it out the front, that will take care of all of it right?

and also what is the best thing to lube the o-rings up with?

 

[brianinpa]

While I was in the Navy, we petroleum jelly for everything related to o-rings. Vaseline is the same stuff and it works just as well. The o-rings will just slide right in without any fuss.

Are you draining the entire coolant system or just trying to drain the cross over tubes? I don't think there will be a lot of coolant in those tubes without the motor running.

 

[Mysteryrider]

I just replaced the gasket and o rings yesterday on mine ...I ended up having to used a block of wood and a wood mallet to tap the tubes into center piece and then again for the elbow and I would highly recommend filling radiator with water look for leaks then drain water and fill with coolant... personal experience first attempt was a failure and ended up with about a half gallon of coolant on garage floor lol I'm not very mechanicly inclined and found it to be pretty simple

 

[Steve83]

Yes, draining from the drain plug under the lower hose will empty the entire system. +1 on the petroleum jelly lube for the o-rings, and they should slide in with a gentle push. You'll have to push in on the elbows to get the bolts to line up. This compresses and seals the o-rings.

 

[dan filipi]

Cleaning the O ring contact surfaces completely smooth is a must.

I fill with tap water and test for leaks by running through a couple fan cycles then drain and fill with 50/50 premix coolant.

 

[shierh]

I bead blasted all the cross over parts including both castings. They came our very nice. Primed and painted on the bench, new o rings and new gaskets. I lubed o rings with silicone grease. Put in new thermostat etc.

 

[Denver]

Silicone grease is the proper lube, won't swell O'rings. Distilled water,has no impurities to corrode metal's in engine. Mix my own 60/40 less expensive that way,& stronger mixture.Gets real cold in Ohio in winter time. Water is cheaper than antifreeze,even distilled for testing.

 

[Buck]

Thanks for all your input. took 3 hours but that is because I wasn't expecting the old gaskets to be fused to the elbow. Ended up having to carefully shave it off with a knife. But it is done and so far, have yet to find ANY leaks.....

Now on to the next adventure

 

[brianinpa]

Get-R Done Buck!!!