Hi - Glad to have found this thread / fix - I have the same issue with a snapped off heater core nipple at the firewall, this looks like a great repair option. Can I ask ProfileTrader and others who have done it - what specific JB Weld you used? There's several options of JB, I'm just wondering which one worked best for a do it once repair?

Thanks

 

Did you dry out or otherwise prep the heater core pipes prior to applying the JB weld and installing the aluminum tubes?

 

@Euromanvan I used the original J-B Weld for the repair process. Then when I found a small crack on the outside yet further in the firewall I used the MarineWeld version for the outside to cover that crack. I likely could have used the original but I thought I would try it.

 

@ArmyAudi The heater core pipes were dry. I had drained the coolant from the car and the air had dried them out. I did not otherwise prep the core pipes.

 

Thanks for the reply / info - going to give it a whirl - nothing to loose!

 

Hope everything works out well.

 

I ordered the custom inserts from Asheville Metalworx two weeks ago and they are now showing as shipped with arrival showing within 2 weeks.. looking forward to trying out this fix.

I haven't used JB Weld before but I picked up a High Temp Red RTV Silicone version from Permatex so now wondering if that is the right version or not... will research a bit more on the various types.

 

@ryvrgc Hope everything works great. lmk

 

I received the inserts about 4 weeks after I ordered them (Sept 24-Oct 18) and just recently had a chance to work on this. They are made with good quality material and look great. Unfortunately, both inserts are slightly too big to slide in to my existing core pipe inlets easily (my car build date is Jan 1997) so I will have to figure out a way to sand them down to get them to fit in and also have space for the Permatex sealant. Still very much a work in progress.

 

I did that the first time. I used a drill to spin the pieces with sandpaper wrapped around them, The best way us to find someone to with the correct machine to do it for you. I personally would not take too much off. If the fit snug (and you can get a film coating on the tubes) and the seam where they meet is sealed good it should not leak. And after it completely sets you will be able to see if it tight enough. Remember yo can always take more off and not vice versa.