Author Topic: Heater Core and Intake Coolant Tubes Corroded (Read 2330 times)

double_d · « **on:** July 27, 2008, 02:02:48 PM »

First of all, picked up an immaculate E30 with 122k on the clock. Great condition inside and out with the exception of the engine. Lots of leaks, both oil and coolant. I'm in the process of replacing all the gaskets and hoses on the engine and ran into a problem when replacing the coolant hoses on the head. It's the larger heater core tube and smaller intake tube. The heater tube is corroded through (found my leak!) and the intake tube is heavily pitted. Both of them appear to be aluminum. Can't seem to find any replacement inserts on RealOEM. Any idea how to get them repaired?

Did a search and couldn't find anything. Thanks in advance!

tjts1 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2008, 03:50:12 PM »

For the large heater core pipe, have a machine shop cut it out, drill out, thread the head and insert a piece of copper pipe. The TB heater can be capped off or have a bolt stuck in it. Its not necessary. Scroll down to #23 for pics.
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3621

I've seen this kind of damage before an aluminum block volvos where the factory said the coolant was a "lifetime fluid". Yeah right.

double_d · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2008, 04:12:41 PM »

I'm worried about replacing it with copper due to galvanic corrosion. It would be worse than inserting it with steel.

Guess I'll design something custom and get it machined.

double_d · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2008, 06:40:35 PM »

Did some searching and found that aluminum nipples with NPT threads on both ends are available. Sizes match up almost perfectly with the OEM sizes (ID and OD). Just gotta order some NPT taps along with the nipples and I should be good to go.