Coolant leak from hard pipe on front of block... what do I do now!

[standard235]

I was doing a coolant flush. Removed nuts from water pipe to pull it up since it was in my way for the bottom bolt (no wrench because PO cross threaded bolt) Tapped threads clean and when I went to refill with my Cascade mix, it was CASCADING down the front of the block until it got enough to build pressure, then began to spray. Where does this pipe go to and is there any way to fix it? Hoping I didn't deform the ends that I'm guessing interference fit into the block.

HELP! I need the car in 14 hours for work!

[RhodeStiva]

if it is the pipe that runs around the block.
descri3.jpg

[FestYboy]

pic please

[standard235]

Oh I have PICS for you now. I removed the water pipe. IN TWO PIECES. I didn't even apply that much force, leverage>me

I'm guessing the upper part is a slip fit with some sort of gasket ring once it goes underneath the header? The upper part of the pipe broke off where the small pipe meets the bell on that joint.

[drddan]

Best bet would be to find one from another festy at a JY. Good luck!

[standard235]

Yards around here DONT KEEP THEM EVER. FML.

[standard235]

Will the piece off an Aspire work since it's the same B3?

And how big of a no-no would it be to use regular heater hose? I'd have to figure out a way to keep it from melting I guess.

[RhodeStiva]

or get a piee of hose to fit over big part and clamp it on both sides i did this and haven't had an issue.

[standard235]

I will be doing that. That's the only thing that makes sense. Yard wanted $50 for the one off the Aspire anyways. I have a guy 2 hours from me with a parts car so I figure I'll buy it off him and his buddy will bring it this way soon and I'll use this temp fix until then.

[lessersivad]

I know it's past the deadline for the needed fix but here's what i did.

Cut the larger bell from the pipe THEN fit a piece of heater hose over the tube(s).

Been running it for a couple of years with no issues.

[Bert]

McGuyver-type advice for a long term fix but another thin hard pipe with rubber O ring definitely is a sonovagun to get hold of when you really need one. Up this way they corrode and weaken badly and luckily so far I have had spares on hand. B6 and Aspire pipes are sufficiently different not to be a direct fit although I guess they could be adapted using the described hose coupling method.

[Movin]

Wow, you are so lucky that happened at home!!

[standard235]

Exactly! I cut the bell off and made the ends nice and clean and used some 3/4" heater hose. Worked dabdy. When I pulled the downpipe the studs are junk. Need to remove the manifold and fix. Hope it doesn't turn into studding the head too.

[Bert]

Just another reason why most folks can't be bothered (financially, effort and time-wise) to field old cars as daily drivers. It is exasperating at times just to track down parts for what would otherwise be a easy repair. Now truth be known; even if you had a new pipe and O ring on hand it would still be a bit of work to swap it in, in this case. I'd love to hear of someone that effected such a repair with plumbing copper and fittings. At least corrosion would be a thing of the past.

[Movin]

Just another reason why most folks can't be bothered (financially, effort and time-wise) to field old cars as daily drivers. It is exasperating at times just to track down parts for what would otherwise be a easy repair. Now truth be known; even if you had a new pipe and O ring on hand it would still be a bit of work to swap it in, in this case. I'd love to hear of someone that effected such a repair with plumbing copper and fittings. At least corrosion would be a thing of the past.

But..you can easily effect a repair, and be to work in 14 hours. My latest headache...finding a front electronic module for a 2000 windstar. Ford discontinued
the part. It was not easy to diagnose and even worse to find and when I do I bet just the part will be around $700 for the correct one.

I love my festies!