Raysur

I'm cleaning up my engine bay and one item on my list is installing a newer style vent tube like this:



I'm dumping my heater core and the current vent line runs there. What years had this style?


Is it a difficult job to install a new one without pulling the motor?

Thanks,
Jeff

jwt1603

GM part number 10108636 has been discontinued. I checked several of the aftermarket places and you might be able to find one. My new engine came from Golen Engines

http://www.golenengineservice.com/index.html

According to them they never bother to replace the vent tube assembly so I didn't bother. I haven't run the car much since I put the engine in (brand new opti crapped out after 5 auto-x passes) but car ran very cool in FL heat.

STL94LT1

95/96 or 97 if you count the F-bodies.

Raysur

Did they plug up the vent tube assembly and not run it entirely?

Thanks for the year info. It will look so much cleaner.

jwt1603

Yeah, plugged the outlets in both heads.

jaa1992

Well that is good news. I've always been lead to beleive that the steam tube had to be in place.

STL94LT1

The steam tube vents air and steam from the rear of the heads. There is also coolant flow between the heads. Remove the tube and you will possibly overheat cylinders #7 and 8.

Camaro4Life

Strick

I would say the engineers put them there for a reason. Can they be serviced while in the car? Good question.

96GS#007

Yes, they can be serviced with the engine in the car. PIA, but it can be done.

JAKE

Here;s my tale of woe: When my son;t 96 LT1 was removed for a heads and cam changed, I re-installed the vent tube but DIDN'T change the washers. BIG MISTAKE.

After re-installing the engine and firing it, the passenger side washer developed a coolant leak. I tracked down two replacement washers and unscrewing the passenger side bolt wasn't a problem : BUT STARTING IT AGAIN WAS A PURE NIGHTMARE!

I took a day and a half, maybe 10 hours over-all to just get the bolt to start. It tooke me and an engine savy neighbor to finally get it started.

Now remember, that was only ONE BOLT, NOT BOTH OF THEM. Saying it was a PIA is putting it very mildly.

How hard the driver's side would be, I can't say. I'm just happy I didn't have to deal with that one too.


Also, my recommendation: DO NOT delete that vent tube. You'd be asking for trouble down the road.

Jake

West Point ROCKS! Nation's Top College per Forbes Magazine!

brioneschevybelair

HELP
anybody I am trying to replace the head gaskets and the vent tube must come off what size wrench do you need it not 5/8 and not a 15 metric ????

TRACKMAN2

you can dich the metal crossover..i use 1/4 npt fittings and a regular 3/8 hose... go an and braid for style points

jaa1992

Thank you for bringing the tech to this!

Now I can get rid of that tube that is getting to the point where its gonna leak the next time I pull it!

brioneschevybelair

Thank s for your Help but does but does any one know what size wrench to use to remove the stock vent tube bolts 15metric seem to big a 14 too small a 5/8 too big a 9/16 too small ?? I didnt want to destory it thank again it 94 LT1

jaa1992

I do remember the bolt heads being a little funky. The last time I Pulled the heads with it connected and then was able to get the wrench on correctly. IIRC it was a 14 but it only fit one way.

PLRX

Ive done it twice with the engine in the Vette. A 15mm and torque to 30 lb-ft

If that tubing is no longer available try a junk yard or use your imagination. Cooling system hoses, two threaded 90* elbows and a "T" connector will get the job done.

brioneschevybelair

I got em off it was 15 metric a wrench wouldn't work so I used 15 metric socket and a prayer and it worked I was very worryed so I thanked the Lord for his help , and Question 2 on a lt1 Corvette the vent tube goes from the heads to the radiator are to the coolant tank I am doing a 94 LT1 and 4L60e swap into a 86 Camaro IROC Z I got a blown head gasket and the shop I took the heads too told me it had to do with the vent tube and where was it connect too thanks for your help

brioneschevybelair

I need pictures are diagrams on how vent tube connects to rest of cooling system are where it go form the heads on the left side to ??? and thank you for your help I have some diagram for the 93 94 it looks like it connects below the over flow on the radaitor and the other diagram it looks like it going to the throttle body but not sure

jaa1992

On my 92 there is a rubber hose that goes to a connection on the expansion tank.