[Rocket Man]

I've converted my '95 lt1 to a carburetor. I'm not sure at this time what I need to do with the return steam line...route it to a "puke" tank, route back into the engine, etc. If it's the latter, how has anyone done that? Possibly other options that are out there.

 

[Funnyontheinside]

What is this LT1 in?

I rerouted my steam ports back to the radiator, bypassing the throttle body. I would imagine that with a carb, this would be the most effective way to take care of that steam return.

http://shbox.com/1/tb_bypass.jpg

 

[Rocket Man]

I wasn't sure in doing as you suggested that the radiator pressure would force coolant back into the heads. Apparently, that hasn't been a problem with your method. (My understanding is that the line was designed to only contain steam).

 

[Funnyontheinside]

By the time the steam line runs back through the throttle body, or directly back to the radiator, the steam has usually cooled back into liquid. With my radiator cap off, I can see the coolant returning in liquid form, with low pressure.

 

[Rocket Man]

So you think it would be acceptable to solder a fitting onto the radiator to accommodate the steam line?

 

[Funnyontheinside]

I would think so. It is essentially what the factory did for LT1s. I grabbed a picture that shows where the steam pipe hose terminates into the radiator fill neck.

You can see that textured hose go right to a nipple on the radiator neck. Only secured with a hose clamp.

 

[Rocket Man]

Hopefully last question...do you think the steam line in your picture is just connected to the overflow or is it a separate fitting?

 

[Funnyontheinside]

No. It is not connected to the overflow. It is connected directly to a fitting on the radiator fill neck.

If you look at the radiator cap, you will see two hose clamps. The lower hose clamp is for the steam pipe. It goes right to the radiator. The overflow is not involved in this.

 

[Rocket Man]

I see it now...thanks for the info...I'll route mine the same way.

 

[haverjb]

hi has anyone deleted this steam pipe?

 

[Funnyontheinside]

I have heard of people deleting the steam lines. As with most things, results varied wildly, with some people needing new engines, and others being just fine.

I have read some where on either this forum or others that the steam lines prevent a cavity of air from building up, and causing the rear cylinders to over heat. For my money, the system has worked well. and I have never felt the need to delete those steam pipes, and risk substandard cooling.

 

[haverjb]

Ok,THank you. Ill install it when im ready to put new 388 IN !