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Aluminum Coolant Elbows
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Author:  dougtoth [ Mon May 21, 2018 10:41 am ]
Post subject:  Aluminum Coolant Elbows
I have a 2001 SLE and installed aluminum coolant elbows about 1 1/2 years ago.
The other day is was leaking antifreeze and I found out is was coming from the coolant elbows.
After taking it apart I found out that the O-rings on the elbows had completely disintegrated.
I am thinking that the cheap Chinese material that they used was probably not a Viton material.
I now think I will go with the original GM plastic elbows which probably have the correct O-ring material.
I also could switch the O-rings from the plastics ones and use on the aluminum ones.
Has anyone else encountered this problem?
Author:  J Wikoff [ Mon May 21, 2018 11:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
I'd put new o-rings on. Going to plastic will leave you right where you began. You'll also want to make sure there isn't any flashing in the ring grooves, damaging the o-ring.
Author:  Archon [ Mon May 21, 2018 12:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
IIRC Andrew had a similar problem with the o-rings on the metal elbows. I did a quick search here, and couldn't find it. It's possible that it was on Facebook. I don't recall what o-rings (if any) were used as a replacement, but it was believed that by now the problem had been solved. So, you might just want to replace the elbows with new.
Author:  dougtoth [ Mon May 21, 2018 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
The holes where the elbows fit into were clean and smooth.
The problem is that the material that the O-rings were made of fell apart.
I know in the past I have had problems with material from China where O-rings have failed.
I am going to buy the GM OEM plastic ones and use those O-rings on the new aluminum ones.
It is really frustrating that I thought I took care of this issue and now I have to take care of it again.
Nothing ticks me off more than having to redo something that I did correct in the first place and then redo again.
Maybe I am paranoid (my wife would agree) but I have no faith in items from China.
The problem is in a lot cases you have no choice.
So much for my rant!!!

Thanks for your replies.
Author:  J Wikoff [ Mon May 21, 2018 1:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
I was referring to the grooves on the elbow that the o-rings sit in.
Author:  dougtoth [ Mon May 21, 2018 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
O.K.
I will check and make sure they are good.
Thanks.
Author:  harofreak00 [ Mon May 21, 2018 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
I replace the Dorman o-rings on every set I install, they are junk.

I use AC Delco 24502846 & 25537068.
Author:  dougtoth [ Mon May 21, 2018 7:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
harofreak00 thank you for the part numbers.
Do you know how many of each I need for the 2 elbows?
I believe 3 are one size and the other is another size.
Thank you.
Author:  harofreak00 [ Tue May 22, 2018 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
smaller: 25537068 x3
larger: 24502846 x1

I have these in stock if you want me to just drop them in an envelope for you. PM me if interested.
Author:  dougtoth [ Tue May 22, 2018 3:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
Thank you for the information & offer.
I ordered some already.
Should have in a couple of days.
Thanks again.
Author:  maxi426 [ Wed May 23, 2018 6:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aluminum Coolant Elbows
Just repaired a car yesterday that had Dorman elbows already installed, but one of the O rings had failed. Looks like we'll be stocking these O rings, and putting them on the replacement elbows. Thanks!!
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