The cooling system nipple on the intake manifold is showing signs of degradation after 36 years. My fear is I will have a difficult time getting a good seal. I would like to replace it but my fear is it may be corroded to the intake manifold and may create a real problem if I attempt to remove it. Does anyone have any experience doing this? I should have taken it out when I had the motor apart... darn! Now it's completely redone and I really don't need to create any problems. I guess I could seal the hose with permatex to help guarantee it will not leak.
It's a '66 396/360 with Holley intake.

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Paul
'66 Red SS 396 360HP L34

I assume its a cast manifold. Put a bunch of PB blaster or liquid wrench around it for a week, do it daily. Then grind down a hacksaw blade to fit inside the nipple and go at it 180 degrees apart. Saw a little then wrench on it a little, then saw a little more and wrench a little more eventually the thing will come out or break in two. Get a new nipple, Teflon tape it and live happily ever after.

Yes it is cast and all painted up real pretty.... Just hate to go messing things up when I am so close to having everything back together. Great idea though on cutting it but I am concerned on creating metal chips that will be deposited throughout the cooling system. I really don't know how I could control that. Thanks for the input!

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Paul
'66 Red SS 396 360HP L34

Either put a good Shop Vac by the fitting when you saw it, or be prepared to pull the manifold. Only thing that could be hurt would be the water pump in any case, which is easier to replace than removing the intake.

I think I'll leave it alone and if it does have a leak issue I will try to use permatex to seal it.

Thanks for the input gang!

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Paul
'66 Red SS 396 360HP L34

It occurs to me that a deep 6 point socket will remove that fitting with out too much trouble. Lots of flat engagement and if it is a 1/2' drive you can put plenty of muscle into it. They usually come out pretty well.

Yea Charbilly I keep looking at it and wondering how I missed that stupid nipple as I either replaced or refurbished everything from the firewall forward. I suspect it will come out OK but if it doesn't man oh man have I created a mess. (I wish I had a site to post pictures of my baby!) I just don't have the balls to try and remove it at this time..... I guess I was just hoping somehow by talking to someone it would magically come out..... It is not in horrible shape just a little pitted. I will try and get it to seal OK and if not will try the Permatex method and if that does not work then the 6-point will be used.... I will keep you posted.

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Paul
'66 Red SS 396 360HP L34