wilcharl said:
5-90 and others talk about a short straight nipple..
my 88 has about a 7 " pipe comming off that the hose goes on... I noticed on my parts diagrams though it shows this little nipple.. what goes on the end of the nipple... this setup intrigues me ....
I replaced all the hoses when i went to an open system back in 2001
*** best thing i ever did *** i dont know what 5-90 is smoking sticking with the closed system when he mods everything to make it better then it was...
I never had major problems with the closed system but it cracked the turtle about once a year down in central florida... in addition "burping" it was never fun but was easy if you used the CTS as a bleeder hose
I think you'll find that, while I tend to make things work better than they did before, I also recognise when something works, and divert my attentions elsewhere.
I'll freely admit that most OEMs just don't build electrics up to scratch (come on - 6 or 8 gage mains? What are they smoking?) and I'm the first in line for a high-output alternator (I've got one in each of my rigs,) but when something works (like the closed cooling system,) I don't see any real need to improve it. The thing works just fine for me - and, properly maintained, should work fine for pretty much anyone.
A number of us got together backchannel some time ago, and tried to figure out what the sudden rush to convert was. It was decided that most people doing the conversion were due for a new radiator anyhow (we had all talked to DCX/Jeep service techs in various locations throughout the country, and gotten a common opinion - the OEMR radiators are typically good for 150-180kmiles. They are usually replaced with aftermarkets - typically Modines,) and since conversion requires a new radiator anyhow, they were fixing the right problem - just going the long way about it. I've got over 180kmiles on EACH of my four RENIX rigs, and the only reason the second 89 has the "open" system is because it was already converted when we got it - I might eventually convert it back, to simplify things (it's the oddball.)
Are there issues with the closed cooling system? Sure - the same issue you're likely to have with any cooling system - maintenance. Well maintained, there are no issues apart from having to "burp" the sytem when it's refilled, and I've given instructions over and over here on how to eliminate that as well.
Have I modified the RENIX cooling system? Sure - I've drilled the thermostat to make the system self-burping, and I've started designing copper heater lines to replace all those moulded right-angle bends that cost so damn much to replace. Apart from that, I really don't see any need to modify the system - it works fine.
If you'd like to see the heater hose mod I've done (and need to refine, I'll admit,) check out my website (link in sig.)
As far as the 'short, straight' nipple - that's what I've run into on all my water pump changes. It's easy to eliminate - just don't take it off the old pump, and don't put it on the new one. As far as replacing the nipple on a pump already in service, I find my "pipe nipple" wrenches (an internal, cam-action wrench) to be most useful - check around at hardware stores for them, they should be fairly cheap. Failing that, vice-grips will work (usually.)
Make sure to apply Teflon paste on the threads of the pipe before you install it - not only do tapered pipe threads want a little help sealing, it makes it easier still to pull out later.
As far as "what I'm smoking," I'm partial to Partagas 8-9-8's, but also like anything by Nat Sherman, and most other Partagas smokes as well.
I hope I've answered all your questions to your satisfaction - just trying to help...
5-90