The OL’ Nipple Trick! Chevy C1500 Heater Core Hose

[Ryan]

-1998 Chevy C1500 4.3L Vortec-

Of course it has to happen on my pickup the week before I move!

Yup, It happened. Right at the manifold.
I found this video through a google search. (first and only one I found)

Seems pretty straight forward, but is going to royally suck, But I wanted to try an idea I came across on a Chevy Forum, where a couple people claim success. I however, am kinda skeptical.
The claim is that 4 grooves were ground out of a 1/2″ steel pipe nipple and it was used in place of a tap. Supposedly cutting right through the soft metal

I have no vehicle, No money, and can’t think of anything else but FIX IT NOW! and I happen to have an 8″ nipple on hand.

I have most of the outside of the broken piece chipped away, but it is very time consuming and the temp is freezing tonight. After I get the first couple threads cleared somewhat, I was planning on trying “THE OL’ NIPPLE TRICK!”

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Topic

[Charles]

Sounds like the “Old Nipple Trick” is only for cleaning threads after you remove all the old fitting. I don’t believe it will help remove the old broken fitting.

[Ryan]

[quote=”Jotmon1″ post=149606]Sounds like the “Old Nipple Trick” is only for cleaning threads after you remove all the old fitting. I don’t believe it will help remove the old broken fitting.[/quote]

Drat.
I guess that’s why asked, right?
I’m just dreading laying on top of my motor, in the cold, with small instruments, and limited access.

Can’t blame a guy for trying
I’ll Def try it to clean the threads after I’m done toiling I guess

………..Or maybe I’ll get adventurous. (Fed up)

Progress Thus far……..

Here’s where I stand now….

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[Ryan]

Well, Got it done…… Or so I thought. The Ol’ Nipple trick worked great!

However…………….
I went to flush the system & discovered my T-stat was stuck open. No heat. Cold bottom radiator hose, so I replaced the TS.
ran it up to temp again only to discover that I not only had no heat, but now the system is sucking my upper rad hose almost flat.

Did I not retrieve all the fragments from the manifold or am missing something else?
Bottom line is I need to clear whatever is causing the restriction.
I haven’t searched the forum yet because i just discovered it was happening. Please point me to the correct thread if this has already been covered. In the mean time, I’ll be searchin’.

Sigh……… It never ends….

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[Ryan]

Radiator Cap……. Figures I just missed the parts store by 15 min.

Why is it I always forget this simple piece of technology? Cuz I assume the worst & hope for the best.

Lets hope this takes care if it. I can deal with no heat til I can flush the heater core I guess. She’s gurgling.

[Author]

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