Upper Radiator Hose Outlet Needs Repair

[KJB34269]

I knew sooner or later I would break something as I attempt to improve a 1951 TO30 I recently picked up. My temperature gauge isn't working so I decided to replace it. I loosened the probe where it goes into the upper radiator hose outlet but couldn't pull the probe out for some reason. I saw the big nut that it screws into and I thought I could loosen that too. Big mistake. I didn't put much pressure on the wrench but it almost immediately broke off. So now I'm thinking 3 possible options. One is to try JB Weld to put the nut back on the outlet. I'm not a welder so two would be to get someone to weld the nut on for me. Number 3 would be to get a new outlet since I see they are available aftermarket for around $90. See the photos for reference. Any suggestions from the experts?

 

[m16ty]

Personally, I’d just buy a new one.

I’ve never had much luck with JB Weld and since it broke so easy it’s probably all corroded.

 

[Jim.ME]

Dremel tool and cut the threads out of the neck. CRC freeze off and an easy out might get the broken threads out. I have cut such out with diamond point and capping chisels. Then just install a new adapter. Many mechanical aftermarket replacement gauges come with several adapters.

 

[KJB34269]

Thanks for the replies. Jim you are no doubt much better at this stuff than I ever will be. I think for now I'll just order the new replacement and hope that the aftermarket fits and works better than some of the aftermarket parts out there. Then I may "play" with the original one to see if I can do the repair Jim suggested. I never throw out any of the old or removed parts. If nothing else, they can bring back memories. Sometimes unpleasant ones .

 

[Tom Bowman]

KJB, please post back and let us know how that aftermarket part works.
I replaced the temperature gauge on my TO-20, and a previous owner had really buggered up the threads on that fitting. I used a bunch of Teflon thread seal tape, and got lucky, and it didn't leak (yet). If the aftermarket part is any good, I'll probably try it.

 

[KJB34269]

I will report back Tom. That part should be here today, but my radiator is in a shop being repaired so I won't really know for sure until I get it all put back together.