Coolant system leak repair questions.

[undy]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Dave,
I understand your desire to have all your stuff "done right"-no cutting corners. But he's my experience.

The block sealant tabs really work and should not be considered a band-aid:
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...D&ProdID=30363

That's why these have an OE brand name-they go right in on the assembly line of nearly every motor (especially aluminum) built. That's why the pros you consulted recommended them.

I watched them go into 30+ street/race engines per month, dynoed daily, from 300 to 1100 HP. The castings always had some issues, mostly all minor, and these were the solution. Of course a major machine error or crack was repaired.

On pressure testing-100psi may CAUSE you a problem. I've seen the usual testing was between 40 to 50 psi.
On a Dove, you may blow it sky high at 100-I can say that because I have your same TW. Since your cooling system makes maybe 22psi max, a 50psi test is plenty of margin.


If you must coat the passage, all your choices are effective, but if you PT at 100psi, you may go right through any coating if the underlying flaw in the manifold is bad enough.

Drive it and enjoy it-you've got a ton of work and $$ in it and Barry's great carbs...

I know, the builders gave me the same spiel about the OEs adding it on the assembly line. It still doesn't sit right with me. IMO, still a band-aide.

I might drop back to 50 psi although cast aluminum with any kind of wall thickness should withstand 100 psi. I would probably go to a reduced pressure after I coat it though. A welded repair would be my first choice anyway.

OBTW... They're my carbs. I sort of turned the "patent" rights over to Barry. I spec'd them myself to Quick Fuel and only bought them through Barry, giving him a piece of the pie. As a small business owner myself, I like to keep the "little guy" fed.