Non-Swivel Water Neck??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 487
Likes: 48
From: Ocala Florida
Non-Swivel Water Neck??
I have had 3 swivel water necks installed on my '76 and every one of them has had leaking problems. I have looked everywhere for a simple 90 degree NON- swivel water neck with chrome finish but so far no luck. All I find is the swivel ones and the ones I find that are not swivel have far too much angle upward. Anyone know where I might be able to find one, especially one that doesn't cost $100!! Hard to believe how much some of these cost??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Well, the thing about any chrome parts is: RTV will not stick, cure, seal or permeate the surface. Porous material like iron, rubber, steel, it will.
When using a chrome part, you must rough-up any area that has to be sealed. I don't mean grind off the chrome, just file or sand until the surface is really rough.
The two areas on that chrome waterneck are where the gasket fits to the Intake and where the Rad Hose attaches, needs to be worked over.
Then using a product from Permatex called "Water pump & Waterneck RTV (small tube, AutoZone) should give you a perfect seal. Its Glycol proof, where as some RTVs are not.
As far as the angled waterneck to meet your needs, check on Summit Racing. I also recommend a "silicone" thermostat housing gasket at $20 instead of paper at 20 cents. They are reusable and seal really well.
When using a chrome part, you must rough-up any area that has to be sealed. I don't mean grind off the chrome, just file or sand until the surface is really rough.
The two areas on that chrome waterneck are where the gasket fits to the Intake and where the Rad Hose attaches, needs to be worked over.
Then using a product from Permatex called "Water pump & Waterneck RTV (small tube, AutoZone) should give you a perfect seal. Its Glycol proof, where as some RTVs are not.
As far as the angled waterneck to meet your needs, check on Summit Racing. I also recommend a "silicone" thermostat housing gasket at $20 instead of paper at 20 cents. They are reusable and seal really well.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Feb 4, 2020 at 09:34 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
here. about 7 bucks for a cast aluminum thermostat housing. I've had those chrome POS housings.... got rid of it. I hope this is about what you're looking for: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...iABEgIOxvD_BwE
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Mr. Gasket part number 2557 or Spectre Performance part number 4730 are chrome housings specifically designed for the '76 Vette. These come with an "O-Ring" seal, but they will not seal. You must sand the chrome finish on the sealing surface and install a good, standard gasket, lightly coated with silicone sealant, in order for any chrome thermostat housing to seal.
Lars
Lars
Last edited by lars; Feb 4, 2020 at 12:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 487
Likes: 48
From: Ocala Florida
Thanks for the help guys!! I had never about having to rough up the chrome where it seals on the intake. I'll give that a try with some RTV and see what happens. If that doesn't go it I'll look into one of the two Lars mentioned!!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
here. about 7 bucks for a cast aluminum thermostat housing. I've had those chrome POS housings.... got rid of it. I hope this is about what you're looking for: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...iABEgIOxvD_BwE
