C4 Oil Cooler / Filter

[Vettech]

On C4's equiped with the KC4 Engine Oil Cooler look out for the fitting on the bottom of the block becoming corroded and blocked.

It is 1/4NPT to Barb fitting.
Whilst 1/4NPT fittings are avail, it would appear that this particular fitting was dreampt up by GM.

The catch 22 is that after buying several bits, the barbs all seem Way Toooo small and slop around in the hose.

The hoses came from Corvette Central - specially molded for the purpose. But whilst the fitting is shown on many diagramms, it it not listed as a purchaseable part.

Been thru all my Odds and Sods, and thru Rocket Ind cattle dogs.

Saw one part on Ebay - ex US at ~ $12US plus $42US postage !?!?!?!?!?LLnvv ..

I wonder who may have a Lathe ummmmmmmmmm.?......



   

[bfit]

Get me a photo. And some accurate dimensions .
Bfit

[sirfixalot]

I removed mine & drilled out rust & crap & re installed also had to replace the hose tails on oil cooler with some brass ones I soft soldered them into cooler

[Vettech]

Thanks Bfit & Sirfixalot.

With lockdown, I've been motivated to have another go at this issue.

Did another search for brass fittings and whalla .... found a place at Ingleburn - IFS.
There online cattle dog had the sizes I wanted, see pic.

Like you I have RS hose tails, so cut and clean, modify the best suited of these brass fittings and Silver solder inplace.
So I also notice you only "soft soldered" - i could do this as I have a soft solder with 2% copper which makes for much stronger bonds.

BUT - I think now I've found the MAP Gas etc I'll try a silver solder - I'll find out on Thursday..

Oh! and Sirfixalot, did you coat/seal the brass surfaces or are you now using a NonWater coolant.

[sirfixalot]

Not that technical Doug just normal coolant used ordinary heater hose, bare brass fittings, soft solder has been fine got a nice bead around fitting

[Vettech]

Followed your lead, silver soldered, Bfit did required turning out of the brass fittings, and did the brazing.

Looks very good, I'll post a pic tomorrow once I have it washed out. If I bring it out now "somebody" will get angry.

I disagree with ordinary coolant - we now have steel, brass, cast iron and aluminium, throw in water or any coolant with irregular pH's and I tink corrosion will run rampant, I will be coating inside of brass, and consider a "Waterless" coolant, saw same on Wheeler Dealers, might be the go, depends on cost,.

I cant thank Bfit enough for his more than able assistance with this issue.

[sirfixalot]

Well Doug I figure have been putting brass welsh plugs in block & screw plugs in manifolds never had any problem whats a bit more brass

[Vettech]

Ummm... I seen to remember from the bygone days of MGs & Austins with Welsh plugs that seemed to weep  -- a lot.

I honestly cant remember the metal - many years ago - but looked brassy.

OH ! And the water take off at the block, which I think is the drain plug in none KC4 optioned cars, was totally corroded and once I got it out the block water galleries are absolutely full of crap and rust etc etc.

But you are probably right, by the time this rust out, I'll be long in a box pushing up daiseys .