Thermostat bypass hose...is it required

Hello all,
Just picked up a 66 cj-5 with the buick V-6....going over the engine, and found the bypass hose fitting on the timing cover completely corroded away. The question I have is.....can I cap off the thermostat fitting and block off the timing cover side without having any adverse affects on the cooling system. I do have the core heater installed with one hose coming off the water pump, and the other off the manifold.
Thanks...
rick

 

the check valves in the block heater won't allow coolant to flow the same direction as the pump flows.
if you have a cab heater without a shutoff valve you should be good.
as long as water is always circulating through both banks and heads. if the coolant cannot flow it can boil in the hot spots before the thermostat opens.

 

The bypass hose is there for a reason. I'd suggest looking for a replacement thermostat housing. Shouldn't be too hard to find a decent used one. Try putting an ad in the classifieds......


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thought it was part of the timing cover, not servicable.

 

How do you plan to cap off the timing cover nipple if its corroded away?

 

Timing covers are pretty easy to find. Post a wanted ad in the classifieds or pm me if you need one.

 

There is no shutoff valve installed on the heater hoses. It's free flowing. Thats why I figure i can get away with the capping and plugging solution. My idea for plugging off the cover side is to use a bolt with a rubber grommet/washer to seal the hole. The fiitting broke off flush with the cover, so with a little machining, the bolt/plug will fit snugly in the inner passage of the cover, with the nut and washer holding it flush from the outside.

 

Thanks for the offer daryl...I will definitely keep you in mind.

 

If your going to pull the cover to do the machining, you should just find a used cover. It will more that likely be less than the machining / plug solution and you won't have to worry about an o-ring leaking. Just my opinion though...

 

Doh! Re-read the original post saying it was the timing cover that was the issue.

If the nipple on the timing cover corroded away I'd have to wonder what the coolant passages in the timing cover look like. I'd agree with above posts and say time for a replacement timing cover.


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Thanks guys.....I'm trying to get this thing running to see what I have to work with. There was quite abit of buildup/gunk in the block when I pulled the pump off. Was able to get a good flushing on it. I'm just a bit leary right now about the bolts holding the timing cover on. I dont want to snap a bolt off before I even hear it run. A replacement timing cover is on the list.
Sure do appreciate all the acvice guys.....
rick

 

i would just replace the timing cover. if the fitting is corroded enough to have fallen off the rest of the cover cant be in good shape. if you cant find a good used over the best price for a new one was from rockauto.