Wormhole

I removed the heater core and connected the in and out lines together. I’m replacing the head gasket this weekend and while in there I would like to cap the line at the water pump and remove the return line that runs in front of the cam housing.
My question is should this be done or does the water need to circulate through for any reason?

Sam Lin

On my racecar it is capped off front and rear. I remember reading someone saying it was better for cooling to have water circulating through sometime in the past, but I don't remember who or why. I'll be capping off my new engine.

Sam

Wormhole

Thanks Sam. A water flow diagram would answer this for us but I couldn't find one.
What did you use to cap it off, havn't tried looking for water caps yet.

Sam Lin

The rear is capped off with an aluminum plate bolted on there using the stock gasket, replacing that water neck/thermo switch. The front is just some generic cap hose clamped on there - that one I'm looking for a better alternative to.

Sam

Wormhole

Gotcha, I'll probally do the same.
Thanks

Claus Groth

I tapped the water pump port with a pipe thread. I think that it is 3/8" NPT. Just install a pipe plug in there. I think that I still have an extra rear blank-off plate if you want it.

Wormhole

Claus, great idea with the pipe plug.
If you can find the rear blank-off plate I would greatly appreciate it, one less thing for me to fab.
Please let me know if you have it.
Thanks

Claus Groth

I almost gave up but I found it. PM your address and I'll put it in a padded envelope.

Ski

On our track car, we used a hose from the back of the head to the water pipe over the exhaust manifold. According to a water diagram, this would keep the water circulating mixing in the water pump. We spliced in an extra VDO gauge in the hose from the head to water pipe. The other day at the track, Jim said the water temp stayed mid range or lower, while the oil didheat up.

Wormhole

Claus, thanks again. I sent you a PM.

Ski, Do you know where I can find that water diagram?

hosrom_951

This would do

Wormhole

Excellant, just what I needed. If I'm reading the diagram correctly, I see no reason not to block the heater core lines.
Thanks Hosrom

Claus Groth

I think that any water that bypasses the cylinder head stays cool and so does not transfer heat to the radiator. That is why I blocked the heater ports. This way ALL water is used to transfer heat.