Chrome Waterneck Leak

[Kevin R.]

Has anyone had any problems (those of you with chrome waternecks) with them leaking?

I am having coolant puddles every now and then on top of the water pump (which is new) and believe it is coming from the waterneck, hopefully, and not the waterpump again.

We torqued the waterneck down but I think it is still leaking.

Is this a common problem?

 

[95COBRA241]

I bought one and it not only leaked it split. It was told the chrome ones were manufactured with a thinner metal prior to chrome plating. I was wonder what would happen if I just had the stock one plated but I never sent it out.

 

[HISSIN50]

you are definately not the only one to have this issue. Andy and some other guys have mentioned it as well.

 

[Starman]

yup, common problem. I've heard about them having issues with leaking for years.

 

[urban96]

i heard the chrome ones sometimes get warped during the chroming

 

[94gsl5.0]

Stocker always leaked then finally cracked... got another one, same thing... finally got a cast one from NAPA... never had a problem since.

 

[94GTLaserRC]

That would be ME that has actually experienced the problem...even removing it and resealing it with Gasket Maker didnt help...I finally bought the Steel one from DAP for $10..

Right now, it's on, and it has the rust patches because it's steel..so I bought another for $10 to paint first, THEN put back on when I flush the radiator next.

I guess you Could buy a steel one and have it chromed.

Keep us updated.

RC

 

[Pokageek]

Yep, heard alot about the problem which is why I didn't buy one either. Although never get ones that say made in China. 3 put in and three leaked. Went to napa and problem solved.

 

[VibrantRedGT]

Crap I just ordered the FRPP chrome one. I totally forgot people had issues with them. I need a polished or chrome one to match my intake. Guess the FRPP will be hitting the trash can upon arrival.

 

[94GTLaserRC]

Crap I just ordered the FRPP chrome one. I totally forgot people had issues with them. I need a polished or chrome one to match my intake. Guess the FRPP will be hitting the trash can upon arrival.

How could you forget that...we discussed it several times last year when I had the issue.

Since your car is not a DD anyway, I would go ahead and put it on, and just leave it until there's a problem...It starts as a slow leak anyway and will be fixable. Let us know the outcome.
RC

 

[Starman]

you might be able to lightly sand the chrome off to bare metal the mating surface. That might help with sealing

 

[Kevin R.]

Okay, after cleaning up the coolant puddles and driving a little bit I have pretty much narrowed it down to leaking out of the waterneck, because I felt coolant on the bottom side of it.

It is a pretty big leak too.

Guess it's bye bye to the Chrome. Don't think I'll have one plated because nothing else in my engine bay is chrome so I have no need to have the "bling".

Hopefully this was the problem. I'll let you know.

 

[Kevin R.]

Okay, after cleaning up the coolant puddles and driving a little bit I have pretty much narrowed it down to leaking out of the waterneck, because I felt coolant on the bottom side of it.

It is a pretty big leak too.

Guess it's bye bye to the Chrome. Don't think I'll have one plated because nothing else in my engine bay is chrome so I have no need to have the "bling".

Hopefully this was the problem. I'll let you know.

 

[Kevin R.]

EDIT : double post.

 

[RIO5.0]

Yes the freakin FRPP ones leak...I filed mine nice and flat but it still leaks...Next time its off Im gonna set it up on a Bridgeport and mil the mother...think I'll mill a groove for an O-ring to...
I got it as it had the threaded hole for the sensor, which I wanted to keep to stock one working after the AM temp was in....
The bolt on the Left or bottom is the worse on mine...Its weird as it feels like a hefty pc, not cheap at all ...but it sure does work like ass...
Top of my waterpump is grunge...:damnit:

 

[HISSIN50]

That would be ME that has actually experienced the problem...

Not sure if this was directed at my post, but like I said originally, Andy was the one I remembered having the leaking issue (and his info was the reason I did not get that unit).

 

[Redsnake2]

LOL, to all you guys.. had the same problems with all the after market chrome **** on my old TA. I finally took all the stuff to work and sand blasted all the chrome off the mating surfaces and WOW no more leaks..
So whip out your sand paper or sand blaster and have fun...

 

[94MustangGT5.0]

I remember having a difficult time getting my stock waterneck to seal up on my PP Typhoon lower. I went through 4 gaskets and an entire tube of RTV before I got a winner! It was the biggest relief when I finally started it up and didn't have a puddle within 30 seconds. I wonder if the polished surface of the lower intake was causing the same sealant problem as the polished waterneck.

 

[94GTLaserRC]

I still say if you MUST have chrome, you can just have a shop chrome the outer surface of the steel one, rather than going to machine shops...should be about $50.

RC