Re: [Amc-list] Wow - they weren't kidding when they said retorque that head! (and other assorted questions)

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

I second Tom's fix for the heater valve if yours is bad! I've found a couple with a pin hole in the lower part of the valve where water sat in it for a long time. You can use a sealer on the threads where hte pipe screws into the block. I always use Permatex #2 (or whatever brand name... the #2 is usually the same, it's a non-hardening oil resistant sealer, black in color). Great for sealing any threads. Just make sure it's leaking at the threads and you don't have a pin hole rusted in the valve itself. You could clean the original valve and epoxy over the pin hole (don't try to solder, you'll damage the seal inside!), but I'd replace it with the part Tom gave. That's what I have in my 63 Classic. 

Tom, the cork gaskets seem to work fine on the side covers. They only get a little spray on them, and they have an angled shield inside that keeps 90% of the oil away form the lower edge. I'd do Joe suggested and stick the gaskets to the covers, use no sealant against the block. They don't even have to be real tight to prevent leaks, just good snug (too tight will warp the covers and they will leak more!). 

-----------
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:45:05 -0700
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

> > Now - towards the back of the engine there is a tube that goes into
> > block and it has the heater control valve on it. Do I need to use a
> > thread sealer on that tube? What's the deal with that? How do I make
> > sure it's not leaking?
>   

To make sure it never, ever, leaks again, place it carefully in the 
trash can. Those things suck, the used ones are all decrepid and NOS 
will cost you your retirement and will soon corrode and leak too. Admit 
defeat and buy NAPA 660-1141 inline water valve, and a 5/8" hose to 3/8" 
pipe nipple and a foot or so of 5/8" hose. Drop-dead stupid simple to 
install and 100% compatible.



> > Also, I got new cork gaskets for the access plates. They were kinda
> > dry and the ends broke off. They are also a bit smaller than the
> > access plate - so there is a gap. 
>   

Cork gaskets also suck. Right Stuff (brand name) does not suck, but the 
price does. It will never ever leak though!



-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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