Thread: Cast coolant elbow O ring. Other options

I took the big one off the extra coolant elbow and put it on the cast one. Went on wayyy to easy. Of course still leakin same spot. Any other options you guys have found in the O ring world that seals a little tighter.

Larger o-ring or RTV are the only options besides getting a new elbow. Personally I would spend the $5 on the new elbow(s).

He has a 98 which has an elbow cast into the timing cover he can't replace it without replacing the whole cover.

Originally Posted by dsmuts

He has a 98 which has an elbow cast into the timing cover he can't replace it without replacing the whole cover.

Holy crap, didn't know that.

Larger O-ring or RTV the crap out of it.

i just did this my self not to long ago. also a 98 GS. i used the O ring off the extra elbow, i also cleaned the crap out of the hole. lubed with a dab of oil and it slid right in, no leaks.

Originally Posted by Rico

Holy crap, didn't know that.

Larger O-ring or RTV the crap out of it.

96-98 only have the one coolant elbow. You learn something everyday.

Originally Posted by dsmuts

96-98 only have the one coolant elbow. You learn something everyday.

Thanks D

I put a thin layer of copper RTV in the groove where the O ring goes to raise out the ring a little. Seem to be good now. If not then I'll RTV evvvverrrryyyything and the O ring itself its a super easy job so im not to worried just annoyed. Yes 98 has the cast elbow it's a love hate thing.

What keeps these from sealing is that people don't clean the hole where the o-ring seats.

I use 400 grit sand paper...put it back together (new elbows) with a coating of plumbers silicone sealant and hadn't leaked for over 50K.

The aluminum corrodes right where the o-ring is supposed to seat. It's a white powdery mess. Clean it up and it will seal.

As far as the RTV goes: put a light coating on the inside of the hole and a coating on and around the o-ring and put it together. Many people have had good luck with the RTV.

I'll try that ^^ if it happend again. Sounds like a good process.

I use fine steel wool. It's all good either way. However if you still have a leak, then you should look at the timing cover closely. The reason GM changed to both being plastic is the timing cover breaks easily when you pull/push on the tensioner the wrong way during disassembly.