Coolant Leak

[Funmart6]

I just discovered a coolant leak. There is a small diameter (sort of "S" shaped) metal pipe on the LH side of the engine, looks like it connects two larger diameter rubber hoses. There is a small hole in a curve on the pipe that is spewing coolant. What is this pipe called? Is it a by-pass pipe of some sort and where can I find a replacement. I will try to get a picture of what I am talking about in the morning. Thanks yall.

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[fcable]

What year? Left side, I assume you m ean Driver's side?

 

[Funmart6]

1997. Yes, LH side = driver's side. I found it to be a heater hose. It comes off the engine as a rubber hose and then is machined/fitted onto the metal pipe and it curves up and into another rubber hose. The metal pipe has a bracket welded to it where it goes into the rubber hose and the rubber hose goes into the fire wall. Fun stuff. I have the assembly loose, I just need to disconnect another short hose that runs in front if the pipe part so I can remove the whole thing.

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[luigisho]

In case you can't find one easily, see if you can determine what it is made of. Maybe some repair could be considered if needed

 

[Funmart6]

In case you can't find one easily, see if you can determine what it is made of. Maybe some repair could be considered if needed

I hope I can find an exact replacement but if not, I will have to figure something out. The metal pipe part has a hole in one of the bends. I have it loose, but not removed yet because of the short hose that is blocking the space where I need to extract the thing.

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[Funmart6]

Well, I am having absolutely no luck at all in locating this specific heater hose/pipe assembly. I have looked online and at several Pull-a-Part locations, and it seems that the whole thing is a bit of a unicorn and V8 SHO specific. Of course none of the auto parts places have this part. I am going to see if it can be brazed or something, it is just a small hole and the rest of the assembly looks good.
I have used JB Waterweld epoxy on a boat before and I guess I could try that.

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[Texas Marauder]

Brazing would be the preferred fix. If you use epoxy let it cure for 24 hours.

Of course, you could always use Flex Seal.

 

[Funmart6]

Haha, no flex seal here!!!
I am thinking of another option. Slip a piece of rubber hose over the hole and clamp the ends to form a seal. It would be like a rubber sleeve.

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[luigisho]

Not sure of what the specific metal was but.. brazing was in the metallic fix mix I had in mind. Good luck with this. The Gen III is the most unicorn of all the SHO's and parts availability is where this is especially evident.

 

[Funmart6]

Yes it is for sure. The price we pay for owning such a rare vehicle.
Funny, I have a 1976 Triumph TR6 and I can get any part for that car and can't find a simple heater hose/pipe assembly for a 1997 SHO!!!
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[Funmart6]

I was finally able to remove the heater hose/pipe assembly, that was a pain in the butt!!! Here it is. This is an original part.

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[Funmart6]

I have had no luck in finding a replacement heater hose assembly so I am having this one repaired, brazed or welded up. In the meantime, I spent some time with my son cleaning up the SHO a little.

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[luigisho]

It's been a long time since I had my GenIII but I ser remember that hose. I wonder how that hole got there? Rubbing against something or hitting road debris? Odd.

 

[Funmart6]

It's been a long time since I had my GenIII but I ser remember that hose. I wonder how that hole got there? Rubbing against something or hitting road debris? Odd.

Not sure, it only had the hole and no signs of any rubbing. I was able to get it welded up this morning and will install it later today.

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[Qshiplvr]

Not sure, it only had the hole and no signs of any rubbing. I was able to get it welded up this morning and will install it later today.

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That hole looks a lot like corrosion from inside, possibly started by an occlusion in the casting/manufacturing, plus exposure to water - very similar to my neighbor getting a small hole leak in his copper plumbing BENEATH the concrete slab in his condo. Water + metal - water wins every time over time.

 

[Funmart6]

I see what you're saying. The guy at the muffler shop that welded it up checked it over with a magnet of some sort and said it seemed strong. I also tapped around on it and it felt and sounded solid. So, anyway, it it is done now until I can find a replacement. I would've expected the rubber hose to fall apart before the metal pipe would. What I found weird is that the edges of the hole did not even look rusty at all.
The car sat idle for a long period of time also and I believe that is what contributed to the pipe getting a hole in it.
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[luigisho]

You consider getting another rubber hose to attach or is it all considered 1 part?

 

[Funmart6]

The hose and pipe are fabricated together with a metal band like you would see on a hydraulic hose. I see now why it is made this way. There is a pipe that is part of the exhaust system that has fiberglass heat sheathing around it. The metal part of the heater hose passes around and slightly behind this exhaust plumbing. The rubber part of the hose has plastic sheathing at the long straight section also to protect it from heat.

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[Funmart6]

Everything is back together now and hoses are routed correctly. Tomorrow I will flush the cooling system and change the oil.
Here is a little engine prn!!!

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[Texas Marauder]

So the next question that should be asked of anyone owning a 96-99 SHO is "Are the cams welded?". Well, are they?