Elbow bolts
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Topic author - Posts: 895
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- First Name: Tim
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Elbow bolts
Quick question - If I remove a bolt from the elbow (cooling system) attached to the side of the block will coolant run out of the hole? I may need to install a bracket and want to know if I need to drain the coolant down before doing so.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
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Re: Elbow bolts
Normally it should not be a problem. Just make sure you do not bottom out in the thread well straining the boss. The threads do not go into the cooling system unless someone before you over did it.
Hope this Helps,
Hank
Hope this Helps,
Hank
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Re: Elbow bolts
Why risk making a mess if the water inlet pulls loose, just drain the radiator.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!
1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup

1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup
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Re: Elbow bolts
No worries IF you're just removing 1 bolt.
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Re: Elbow bolts
if it is just one bolt, go for it. I was thinking horn bracket. 

I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!
1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup

1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup
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Topic author - Posts: 895
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
- First Name: Tim
- Last Name: Juhl
- Location: Thumb of Michigan
- MTFCA Number: 50297
- MTFCI Number: 24810
Re: Elbow bolts
I may drain the radiator down some just in case. It would be just one bolt at a time but then again, why risk it? I'm waiting on a horn I bought from Hank and don't know if I'll use the bracket on it or adapt it to the one already installed.
Thanks for your comments
Thanks for your comments

1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
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Re: Elbow bolts
You can also park (or jack up the rear) to cause the water inlet to be higher than the water level in the radiator.
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Re: Elbow bolts
Unless you pry on the elbow and break the seal between the head, gasket, and elbow you will not have a leak by removing one bolt to attach the horn bracket. Everything is "welded" together by the paper gasket and any sealer used to attach the gasket. If it does weep a little it will stop when you replace the bolt and horn bracket and tighten it down. I have removed that bolt at different times to remove my horn and never had an issue.
1922 Coupe & 1927 Touring
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Re: Elbow bolts
“Water inlet”
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Re: Elbow bolts
How about water inlet bolts?