[DeTomaso] FW: Engine block heater hose nipple removal

[doug351c]

I followed Jack's advice but I added an additional step.  First I found the
largest diameter 1/4" drive deep dish socket I had that would fit into the
engine block's heater hose nipple which was size 3/8 hex with a 0.543" OD.
I added a few turns of electrical tape wrapping to one end of the socket (so
it wouldn't drop all the way into the nipple).  After inserting the socket
into the nipple (to prevent the tube from getting crushed) I applied a pair
of vise-grips to the tube and the tube twisted right out!  I didn't need a
pry bar although I likely would have if the tube had been in there for a few
years.  The tube even came out in good enough condition to be reused.

Doug Braun
blue 73 L #5505

-----Original Message-----
From: doug351c [mailto:doug351c at gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2010 6:59 PM
To: JDeRyke at aol.com
Subject: RE: [DeTomaso] Engine block heater hose nipple removal


Thanks (John, Larry, Asa Jay & Jack),

Fortunately, the tube has only been in the block since last June so it
likely hasn't corrosion bonded itself to the block yet. I'll be trying
Jack's method first then the dent and twist method, and if both of those
fail they will likely be followed by the curse a little (have a beer), pound
a lot, then fish-the-remnants-out-of-the-block technique.

Jack - where do you source the SS version of the tube?

An OEM repro steel version is available from http://mansfieldmustang.com/
under p/n 8555.  The one from www.nationalpartsdepot.com/ p/n 18599-11 is
likely made by Mansfield but I haven't verified it.  Dorman (don't know the
p/n) also has a steel tube that's close to correct but its shorter than
stock, thinner walled and plated differently.  The $10 Mansfield tube is
stronger, longer and "an exact OEM replacement" for you purists out there.

Doug Braun
blue 73L #5505

  -----Original Message-----
  From: JDeRyke at aol.com [mailto:JDeRyke at aol.com]
  Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2010 12:18 PM
  To: doug351c at gmail.com; detomaso at realbig.com
  Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Engine block heater hose nipple removal


  The pressed-in sheet-metal nipple pulls out with vice-grip pliers;
sometimes you'll need a pry bar between the pliers and the head or block.
They are almost never re-useable; the pliers will smash the flimsy nipple
flat but new ones are still available and are cheap. Any debris behind the
usually-rusty nipple will stay there and you can scrape it out. A few people
make thick-wall stainless fittings that press in as-stock but never corrode,
and a few others tap the block for a pipe thread and use screw-in hose bibs.
Both ways work, as does changing the stocker periodically and using fresh
anti-freeze each year. Good luck- J Deryke