Serpentine System - P/S Return line issue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: WA
Serpentine System - P/S Return line issue
Just bought the GMPP Serpentine system for my '71. Everything is great except what I believe is one major issue. The steel tube that comes out of the P/S unit for the return line is pointing straight up. I can only guess it is that way for shipping purposes and needs to be rotated downward. Otherwise, I'd need one heck of a long return hose which will probably get a kink in it as it bends 180* to get to the P/S valve below.
So the question is how do I turn it downward. As far as I can tell the stell tube is pressed in, so if I rotate it (probably by force), I'll either break the seal and it will leak once running, it won't rotate and I'll end up kinking the steel tubing or possibly even snap the whole thing off.
I checked with a local auto parts store and their comparable P/S unit is shipped the same way, so this should be a no brainer, but I don't see anywhere in the instructions that say you need to rotate the tube or how to do so. What did you guys do with the return line when converting to serpentine?
Thanks!
So the question is how do I turn it downward. As far as I can tell the stell tube is pressed in, so if I rotate it (probably by force), I'll either break the seal and it will leak once running, it won't rotate and I'll end up kinking the steel tubing or possibly even snap the whole thing off.
I checked with a local auto parts store and their comparable P/S unit is shipped the same way, so this should be a no brainer, but I don't see anywhere in the instructions that say you need to rotate the tube or how to do so. What did you guys do with the return line when converting to serpentine?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
The return line spout is furnace brazed in place. You will most likely destroy the spout and/or reservoir if you attempt to just bend it and change its orientation. I would return the reservoir and exchange it for one that has a different spout.
If you have no other alternatives, heat the spout with a torch until the braze material melts. Rotate the spout and use silver solder (NOT ordinary solder) to reseal and reattach the spout.
Jim
If you have no other alternatives, heat the spout with a torch until the braze material melts. Rotate the spout and use silver solder (NOT ordinary solder) to reseal and reattach the spout.
Jim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: WA
The return line spout is furnace brazed in place. You will most likely destroy the spout and/or reservoir if you attempt to just bend it and change its orientation. I would return the reservoir and exchange it for one that has a different spout.
If you have no other alternatives, heat the spout with a torch until the braze material melts. Rotate the spout and use silver solder (NOT ordinary solder) to reseal and reattach the spout.
Jim
If you have no other alternatives, heat the spout with a torch until the braze material melts. Rotate the spout and use silver solder (NOT ordinary solder) to reseal and reattach the spout.
Jim
So I guess the question remains... what has everyone else done in this circumstance? I know I'm not the only one that has come to this crossroad and I'm truly hoping this is not the only solution, even though it is a good one. Please feel free to chime in with any other suggestions (if there are any).
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
Just bought the GMPP Serpentine system for my '71. Everything is great except what I believe is one major issue. The steel tube that comes out of the P/S unit for the return line is pointing straight up. I can only guess it is that way for shipping purposes and needs to be rotated downward. Otherwise, I'd need one heck of a long return hose which will probably get a kink in it as it bends 180* to get to the P/S valve below.
So the question is how do I turn it downward. As far as I can tell the stell tube is pressed in, so if I rotate it (probably by force), I'll either break the seal and it will leak once running, it won't rotate and I'll end up kinking the steel tubing or possibly even snap the whole thing off.
I checked with a local auto parts store and their comparable P/S unit is shipped the same way, so this should be a no brainer, but I don't see anywhere in the instructions that say you need to rotate the tube or how to do so. What did you guys do with the return line when converting to serpentine?
Thanks!
So the question is how do I turn it downward. As far as I can tell the stell tube is pressed in, so if I rotate it (probably by force), I'll either break the seal and it will leak once running, it won't rotate and I'll end up kinking the steel tubing or possibly even snap the whole thing off.
I checked with a local auto parts store and their comparable P/S unit is shipped the same way, so this should be a no brainer, but I don't see anywhere in the instructions that say you need to rotate the tube or how to do so. What did you guys do with the return line when converting to serpentine?
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: WA
Wasn't this kit using a F-body pump? if that is the case that is why the return line is straight up. When my 82 had a f-body serpentine system it had a metal upside down "U" shape fuel line pipe that the return line connected to and a small hose connecting it to the return pipe on the pump.
Last edited by 71_S-Ray; Aug 1, 2011 at 12:51 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
I'm putting a 84 serpentine system on the car now so if you need help let me know or a pump with the correct turned down return and u can have it for free.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
I bought a pump for a '94 (I think) truck and swapped out the spring and regulator. The spout has to be contorted around a bit to not interfere with the block.
At least it did on the truck versions.
At least it did on the truck versions.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: WA
Biggest interference concern I have is the A-Arm or if I bent the tube, then the problem would be the crossmember because I can't see how it could be bent any other way than forward.
I just want to get this thing running at this point (car has been down for nearly 2 years). I'll try the "U" shaped metal line and if it looks too hokee after everything is in, I'll change it later.
Again and again. Greatly appreciate all the help getting this thing back up and running.
I just want to get this thing running at this point (car has been down for nearly 2 years). I'll try the "U" shaped metal line and if it looks too hokee after everything is in, I'll change it later.
Again and again. Greatly appreciate all the help getting this thing back up and running.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
try Borgeson.
S-Ray,
Have you thought about giving Borgeson a ring? They have a huge range of new and reconditioned Saginaw pumps and will have one for sure to suit your application. Give Jeff or Gil a ring on 860-482-8283 and see what they have.
Hope this helps.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Have you thought about giving Borgeson a ring? They have a huge range of new and reconditioned Saginaw pumps and will have one for sure to suit your application. Give Jeff or Gil a ring on 860-482-8283 and see what they have.
Hope this helps.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn