BBC Water Pump Bypass Fitting

[Bill Pritchard]

Is there any kind of special tool made for removal and/or installation of the water pump bypass hose fitting in a big block Chevy? This fitting has a slot in the one end, and I'm sure many (if not most)of these fittings have had a large screwdriver used for installation.....but the potential for damage or distortion of the fitting end would seem to make this a less-than-ideal choice.

Trying to remove an old one from a water pump that has been used for years is 'mission impossible' with a big screwdriver. A huge vise-Grip or ChannelLock pliers would undoubtedly work, but would also destroy the fitting. Any suggestions?

[earntaz]

heat -- heat -- heat ... last resort, slide a piece of round stock or a socket of the correct size inside the fitting and use a vise grips. Any damage will be covered by hose when installed and not evident. TAZ

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

A really large screwdriver (like 24" long!) worked perfectly for me....

[earntaz]

OK Marlin -- you started it ... I've used a flat end tire tool that I ground down to fit the slots. Used a a large adjustable end wrench to turn tool ... TAZ

[Verne_Frantz]

Bill,
If you have an old socket you'd sacrifice, find one that is a close fit around the fitting, cut two slots in it, then place a flat piece of steel in the slots that fits into the notches in the hose fitting.

Verne

[earntaz]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Verne_Frantz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bill,
If you have an old socket you'd sacrifice, find one that is a close fit around the fitting, cut two slots in it, then place a flat piece of steel in the slots that fits into the notches in the hose fitting.

Verne</div></div>


Good idea!

[X66 714]

There were several socket to adjust the tie rod ends on early Chevrolets, probably other cars also. I bought some on e-bay for cheap...Joe

[Big Block Bill]

X-2 I use a &quot;Drag Link Adjusting Socket&quot; for heavy duty trucks.

Bill

[Bill Pritchard]

Great ideas, everyone....thanks to all who have responded <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

Big Block Bill,

That looks like exactly what I need.....checking into one on eBay right now!

[Mr70]

BBB is right,I've used Drag link sockets on those fittings Bill P.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAC-Tools-DLZ2-D...532&amp;vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAC-Tools-DLZ2-Drag-Link-Socket-3-4-Drive-/162313820532?hash=item25caa85974:g:fmcAAOSwHMJYKJd l&amp;item=162313820532&amp;vxp=mtr)

[L78steve]

If you try to remove the fitting the aluminum threads will be removed with it. Only safe way is to cut into the tube with a variable speed jig saw being very careful not to cut too deep then collapse with a Vise Grip then spin out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/12/full-3467-54323-dsc02864.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/12/full-3467-54324-dsc02865.jpg

[m22mike]

Very good advice from Steve on this subject. I have removed some by pass fittings with a solid rod inserted inside, heat, and vise grips. If it does not move on the first attempt you might consider stopping, cause you will screw it up.
Like Steves example I have cut them out. On a by pass fitting cut it off flush and leave some material to tap on .
I like to make 3 cuts, once the first piece comes loose the rest is easy.
And don't be in a big hurry <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

Mike

[cook_dw]

Propane torch and cold water.. Expand and contract the different metals and it'll break the fusing that happens with steel and aluminum are in contact with one another. Ever try to get a bleeder screw out of an aluminum caliper? Without heating and cooling you will break it off..

[Ls6 Ragtop]

Have to be super patient when removing these. I made this tool out of an old socket, and like many have said, if it doesn't move fairly easy with heat and lube you will remove the threads with the fitting.
Then it's time to fire up the tig welder.
Drilling and fracturing the fitting is usually the safest way for removal.
My homemade so met is awesome for installation of the new fittings.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/12/full-4674-54340-20161214_100554.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/12/full-4674-54341-20161214_100600.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/12/full-4674-54342-20161214_100615.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/12/full-4674-54343-20161214_100628.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

Chris, that socket you made is absolutely ideal for the purpose! It captures the entire O.D. of the fitting while at the same time engaging the slots for turning purposes.

I have ordered a new repro fitting to go in my rebuilt water pump that came without a fitting. I think I will just leave the old fitting in the old water pump since I will not be using the old water pump any more. Thanks again to all who have responded....I can't be the only person who has had this issue so I hope it is helpful to others.

[Big Block Bill]

I hope you are able to acquire one. Glad to help, that's what this site is all about. Good luck.

Bill

[Verne_Frantz]

Nice job Chris. Very similar to my idea but you've made a permanent tool. They should be marketed!

Verne <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

Well of course, nothing goes as one might have expected....

The slot in the fitting in the old water pump measures 1/4&quot; wide....I received the new fitting Thursday and the slot in that measures 0.170&quot; wide <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif Glad I didn't buy the drag link socket with the *allegedly* 7/32&quot; wide blade (but I guess I'll never know what the width actually is since the seller never did respond to me). So, with Verne's original idea in mind, I went to a local machining &amp; welding shop with the new fitting. Told the owner what I needed to do and he came back with a piece of 3/16&quot; (0.1875&quot;) flat bar stock about 8&quot; long and suggested that I just file off enough to produce a snug fit in the slot. Sounded good to me so I asked &quot;how much do I owe you?&quot; He said &quot;Merry Christmas&quot;, we shook hands, I went home and filed away and the new fitting is now snugly in place in the newly rebuilt p/n-and-date-correct water pump. The old fitting can just stay in the old p/n-and-date-incorrect water pump.

[Mr70]

Old incorrect water pumps never get any love. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

[mockingbird812]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[earntaz]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr70</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Old incorrect water pumps never get any love. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif</div></div>

Until you need em' ... my wife mate sometimes will ask my why I don't get rid of some of the &quot;stuff&quot;. I tell her that someday -- it may be needed again!!! LOL TAZ

[Bill Pritchard]

I think this one is going to be going on the &quot;Pay it Forward&quot; classifieds on this site <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif