Radiator Question-Heater Return Line

[Legolas894]

I picked up a rad from a 1990 Suburban (350 Automatic) to use in my '67 283 manual. Only $20 and in good shape. I'm going to plug the transmission cooler ports but there is an outlet coming out near the top which I am told is a return line for the heater.

My heater lines connect to the water pump and intake manifold. Do I just plug this port on the rad or should I connect it to something? Is there something made to block this off?

Any advice appreciated.

[kgt]

Plug it off with some home made device and it will be fine

[capev86]

you should be able to get some brass threaded plugs for the trans cooling ports. as for that extra connection......make up whatever you can that will hold back the pressure. maybe you can cut it off and tap the radiator and use a plug. don't forget to use teflon tape to prevent leaks and metal galling to metal.

[Legolas894]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like it will be easier just to plug it for now. I was thinking of making a tee somewhere to let the heater line flow back but it's probably not necessary.

[Camaro_nut2001]

The auto parts stores have rubber caps that come in 5/8 & 3/4 that make it look a little neater. I used them on my heater core and the radiator as mine is like yours and I don't use my heater core. The caps should be in the help section. I use one parts store and two performance stores and the little family owned parts store I use had them so the big stores should to.

[breeh]

I wouldn't try to cap off that radiator inlet. Buy a threaded plug for the inlet port to the water pump and then route that line to the radiator.

[Legolas894]

Originally Posted by Camaro_nut2001

The auto parts stores have rubber caps that come in 5/8 & 3/4 that make it look a little neater. I used them on my heater core and the radiator as mine is like yours and I don't use my heater core. The caps should be in the help section. I use one parts store and two performance stores and the little family owned parts store I use had them so the big stores should to.

Great-Thanks for that. I will look there. I was hoping for something "store bought".

[Legolas894]

Originally Posted by breeh

I wouldn't try to cap off that radiator inlet. Buy a threaded plug for the inlet port to the water pump and then route that line to the radiator.

Well this is my problem-What's the difference between the stock setup (like I have) with the heater core attached to the manifold and water pump and running the outlet from the rad to the heater core? If it was a better setup, I was thinking of the plug on the water pump but I'm not sure what is better.

[Legolas894]

Well, I got the rubber plug for the heater return and some brass threaded plugs for the transmission cooler lines. All set. Took out the old rad. The new rad fit perfect in the radiator clamps (no adjustment needed). Then I noticed that the hoses on the '67 are way too big for the rad. The upper hose looks like 1 1/2 and the lower is 1 3/4 at least. The new rad from the suburban has much smaller outlets.

Any chance there's a way to still use it???

[Shyguy]

Some auto parts stores have hoses with different size ends. Take the hose you have that has the right bends and see if they can match the bends with differnent size ends.

Just a thought.