It’s only a drop or two after a 30 minute drive, but cracks/ leaks rarely get better. Not from the hose but from the housing. Really not in the mood to replace it but AI 🤦🏻‍♂️tells me JB weld is a possible short term solution, however might just employ watchful waiting. Other ideas?

1971 442 w/ original 455. Thank you.

 

Not sure what mood you need to be in. I'd want to know if it's leaking from a crack, or the gasket. Not much of a job to remove & have a look (my choice). My very last choice would be JB Weld; actually, I'd never use JB Weld (for anything).

 

Can’t tell from your picture if the leak is from the gasket area or not. As said above, replacing the gasket is easy. You could also replace the housing just as easily if the leak is from a crack in it. I have never seen that, but I suppose it’s possible.

 

Thanks, Vintage. Tough to break away for more than a quick drive as I’m full-time caregiver for my 94-year-old father. That’s my mission and that’s my mood. Full-time care for my father, who served in Korea at the DMZ, and has also suffered two strokes and is a colon cancer survivor.

 

Thanks fun, it’s weeping from the thermostat housing itself, not the hose clamp or the gasket.

Every three or four months, my sister comes for a few days to help out, so I’ll probably utilize that time to replace the housing. Any recommendations on a supplier for a good thermostat housing, appreciate the help.

 

It’s coming from this area of the housing

 

I have extra housing(s) do you need a certain casting number..??

Water Neck Waterneck Thermostat Housing 350 455 OLDS - ClassicOldsmobile.com

 

If you are set on trying something before replacing the housing, get a tube of solder seal

JB weld will not work on a crack like you have. The coolant will push out under it. Solder seal will most likely not work either, but it is worth a shot if you are looking for something to try before pulling the housing. I have used the sealer above on many cars over the years for various types of coolant leaks. I do not trust the headgasket-goop repair stuff in a car I care about.

 

Thanks, motorhead - may take you up on that, and appreciate the heads up loaded on the solder seal.

Free time has been a precious commodity the last few years, but it’s about time for a coolant flush, in the meantime, may try something temporary. Thanks again for all the input.

 

Housings are relatively inexpensive.
The bigger concern is, is the coolant acidic? Test the pH. Could be time for a flush. The acid will eat everything... freeze plugs heater & radiator core etc...Then you have a much larger concern (with the car).
Hats off to you for taking care of your dad. That is 3 full time jobs in one. If I was closer I'd do it for you.

 

Thanks, Drolds, appreciate your sentiments, but it’s truly a blessing to give back a little bit, especially for all that I put him through. In the span of eight years, I was involved in six crashes with six different (mine and family) vehicles from ages 13 to 21, now that’s crazy

He is still quite cognizant mentally and very communicative, and I thank him every day and tell him how much I love him. Physically its a different story.
He has amazing memories of his time in the army in Korea, and growing up in Staten Island. He’s the reason I’m an Oldsmobile guy. He’s the reason for many things. But I digress.

Yes the acidic coolant possibility has crossed my mind, will test pH and accelerate my plans for a coolant flush. Probably the right time to replace this housing too. Really appreciate the input.

 

I just did the flush with Thermocure and replaced the thermostat in my car this weekend. Easy peasy job. I don’t have a housing for your application, but I do have extra gaskets and the sealant. Darn sealant was over 8 bucks for a tiny-*** tube. I’m happy to share, so PM me your address and I’ll send these two items to you for your job.

Happy Motoring!

 

Many here know much more than me, but if it’s seeping from the seal, the traditional fix is put the bottom edge on a belt sander, or otherwise sand it flat using sandpaper on a known-flat surface. Same deal on the top of the intake manifold, but of course, stuff a microfiber cloth in the intake to catch any material removed. Or stuff a piece of blue tape in there to catch the crap.

If the part is seeping from up in the iron neck somewhere, I’d go for a new housing. Ideally an Olds original part from a classic boneyard like French Lake Auto Parts in MN. Reproduction housings are available, and may work well, but the original iron housings wear like, uh, iron. I’ve been playing with these cars for decades and have never seen a problem as shown with a seep in the upper part of the housing. Odd.

Best of luck with this.

Cheers
Chris

 

Thanks tnswt, really appreciate the kindness and input. I’ve got a neighborhood motorhead buddy that enjoys hanging out, so when I have time, can tackle this for sure.

And yes cfair, it’s a strange place to have a leak, have been looking for an iron replacement housing locally, with O’Reillys and NAPA. Also know there are parts available on CO from Oldsmobile owners as well

Again, appreciate the feedback and input, and helpfulness of CO - a great resource - and a great place to relax.

 

Fusick has new (aluminum) thermostat housings.
Good luck with everything.

 

Thanks, Toro - leaning towards cast-iron, but strange that something like this happens



pH looks to be neutral at about 7.2 - 7.5, would rather have it higher, time for a coolant flush, and to get all this sorted. Looking forward to my sister‘s visit next month. Thanks again, folks.

 

Was cruising eBay tonight. Came across this which may help:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/39612254649...Bk9SR-jc4P-2Zg


Good luck & good hunting,

Chris

 

Be careful to purchase a new gasket that is properly cut. Many on the market are cut with way too much overlap. It may be necessary to trace and cut your own from a sheet.

 

Thank you guys. Starting to consider the might as wells too. The obvious radiator hoses clamps thermostat and gasket, but why not water pump….

This is an 8 to 10 year-old restoration showing its age.

 

Do not overtorque. Use a torque wrench. Use a sealer like permatex 300.

 

Thanks, Koda and will do. Definitely rusty on this (straightforward) repair, haven’t done one in quite some time.

 

yes acidic coolant is a thing.. had a friend recently had to replace black and heads do to this.. I could not believe it, his heads were like swiss cheese..

get a new housing, change the coolant. do it right and be worry free.. only two bolts and two hose connections..

Also I use Continental Hy-T 3/4 hose for the bypass rated at 200psi, had a short bypass hose rated at 50psi blow out and not so old on the freeway, never again..

 

Most replacement gaskets have slotted holes to fit both the Olds and AMC 258 engines. Unfortunately, being modified to fit both engines means it doesn’t fit either engine exactly.

 

Have the pump rebuilt vs purchasing what is likely a low quality off shore option. Especially if its the OEM pump.
Dont want to do it again in 12 months.

 

VCode442, I JUST happen to have an NOS GM outlet gasket p/n 404633 just laying around over here on my computer desk without a car. I'm thinking it will fit perfectly. Won't have to mess around with ill-fitting gaskets.

If you want it, just send me your mailing address in a direct message. I'll be happy to help out what little I can due to your situation.

 

You guys are great, really appreciate the input, and certainly the gasket offer. About to send a PM back, and be happy to also send a check.

Looking at thermostat housings, have read where many of the necks don’t lineup properly. My goal with bolt on repairs is reliability and functionality. Doubtful the water pump is original, and in close to 100° temps/ 85% humidity works as designed, keeping temps under 190. Maybe nothing to fix there.

My sister arrives in three weeks and plan to have everything lined up prior to that. In case you’re interested, here’s my dad and his 71. He really enjoyed picking trophies up, whereas I’ve never entered my current ‘71 into a show (haven’t had three hours free on a Saturday in years) but certainly dropped in on many. For me the joy is time travel.

My fabulous and beautiful mom passed last year after battling five years of COPD, and O2 therapy. 62 years of marriage. Amazing woman. It’s been a pleasure and a blessing to serve and give back to them both. Here they are in better times with his ‘71 hardtop, (obvious non-W30, PO’s doing, with wonderful steel hood) from about 2006.

 

So glad your able to spend time with your Dad. I moved out in my teens, moved to a different part of the country. Then in my 30's I took a cassette tape recorder with a box of blank tapes on a visit with my Dad. When I left home the world revolved around me. I had never heard the stories from my Dad of what it was like living through the depression, overseas in WWII, and the adventures and struggles he went through in life. He passed away 25 years ago but I treasure the stories he told and things he shared with me on that visit.

If you want to keep your car original I'm sure one of us can come up with the correct casting number reference for you. If Brian doesn't have that one, I'm sure there's someone on here who does. John

 

Thank you, John and my trajectory was similar. Moved 1200 miles away after college from my hometown/ parents, but fortunately reconnected when they retired and moved closer to me.

Was married when my Dad had his first stroke, and my (ex)wife said … why are you spending so much time with him …and I thought, what planet are you from?

Very fortunate that our journeys brought us all back together, and I was able to provide so much of what they’ve given me all my life, and yes quite fortunate to hear all the amazing stories.

For instance, my mom graduating high school at 16 and taking the train from Buffalo to South Bend Indiana for college. Very afraid.

My father, who learned to swim at the downtown athletic club in New York City when he was eight years old in 1939. His father was a member, unfortunately he died five years later from a heart attack at age 40. And my dad‘s mother passed three years later, orphaning him at 16.

I made a promise after his initial stroke that I would never let him feel, or be alone, again. And thank God, I’m able, so far, to do just that.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said:
“It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself”. But I digress, again.

 

I had a cast iron water pump do the same thing before. A little defect in the casting and corrosion is the culprit. An actual tiny spray right out of the casting that was no where near any fitting or gasket. Kept smelling coolant steam, but couldn't pinpoint the source. It happens. You know by now what needs to be done, good luck & God bless.

 

Thanks pappy, hope you caught yours in time, and I’ve been watching mine for a few weeks. Anything can happen, anytime, and usually does!

 

I found a NOS complete GM kit with old skool stat, piece of hose, gasket and housing 100 bux. Its painted but still haven't installed it. Hope to get to it soon. I went with the metal J tube design because I cant find a good replacement J hose...all china junk, not doing that.
Install a 190-192° stat. Dont be tempted to go lower.
50/50 premixed coolant.
Not sure on who sells a good nonchineasium replacement pump. If you find it do share that info.

 

On the water pump question, I can recommend flowkooler brand. I’ve had ‘em for 20 years or so with a slightly better than factory impeller and good longevity of their bearings & seals. They may be chinesium. Not sure about that. Mine are from before 2010, so manufacturing may have changed…

The metal J tube was a factory improvement over the earlier J hose. Keep it. Some early J hoses burst causing the factory to go with metal. The later design is better for durability and you can just cut the right size hose to length. I happen to have the older style but might get around to the later style someday.

Living in a very mild climate prone to heavy traffic in potentially hot summer days (San Francisco Bay Area), I use an 75/25 mix of distilled water (cheap) and antifreeze with 2 bottles of water wetter. Basically I start with the two bottles of water wetter, then throw in the gallon of antifreeze (old school green), then top up with 3 gallons of distilled water - fill the radiator and put the rest in the puke tank. I figure over time the water in the puke tank and solution in the radiator will mix to an even solution.

Hope some of that is useful to you
Chris

 

Very helpful, thank you guys, am ‘auditioning’ replacement housings from local sources and online. Will compare side-by-side and attempt to select the most robust replacement.

 

Water neck and OR water pump leaky leaky on the 442
MAW money pit... AGAIN yep having fun at my house
the 1971 455 with air uses casting #3 I was told

so I bought motors to get those and found one ebay rebuilt with soggy box RUSTY cleaned up pretty

 

THREE TIMES #3 water pumpers

 

OW
Radiator

 

PM me your mailing address and I will send one you can try.. If you use it pay me a few buck$ in the future OR pay it forward somwhere else
Keep the Shiny Side UP

 

Thank you, PM sent

 

yes and have a cast iron empeller put in not the fan type flows better..

I've had good luck with

https://agrebuilders.com/

 

TIN STAR IMPELLER iz TROUBLE