Small Supercharger Cooling System Leak

manniej · 03-21-2022, 06:21 PM

I installed the Edelbrock kit a couple weeks ago, and I've got a small leak (several drips an hour), at the surge/holding tank, that I can't seem to get rid of. I replaced the spring style hose clamps with screw/worm gear style hose clamps, but that didn't fix the problem. Next, I was thinking that the tank might have a crack, so I pulled it off, sealed off the two ends, and filled it with water, but the water level didn't drop at all.

So, now I'm back to thinking it's a connection, but I don't know what else to try. Is there some sort of non-permanent glue/sealant that might work?

SSUNDVL · 03-21-2022, 08:39 PM

Does the hose have a hole in it? Clamps can be hard on hoses, might want to replace the hose or possibly might be able to use a heat shrink hose clamp.

manniej · 03-21-2022, 09:40 PM

I don't think the hose has a hole. The tank is still off, and I have the two hoses blocked off using some hose clamp pinch pliers, about 4 inches from the end. I've got both ends angled up and filled them both with coolant. It's been about 5 hours and the level inside the hose hasn't dropped and I don't see a puddle forming on the floor (I would have had a noticeable puddle by now).

*radz28* · 03-22-2022, 03:03 PM

I've had hoses leak from the ENDS... That seems weird to me, but it's possible. I think it might go with the reasons posted above. Perhaps over-tightening the clamps could have caused it. I can be a little over zealous tightening clamps, myself, so this might be a possibility.

asthmamax11 · 03-22-2022, 03:14 PM

Was the kit used ?

manniej · 03-22-2022, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asthmamax11

Was the kit used ?

Nope...brand new.

I found several places, online, that recommended using Permatex 2 Form-A-Gasket sealant (slow drying, non hardening), that's made for flexible parts. I put a very thin coat on the surge tank nipples and inside the hose, and it seems to be working. It's been several hours and it hasn't lost a drop (I've got a paper towel directly under it). I have no idea how long it will hold, if it will hold once I actually start the engine and pressurize it, if it will end up causing any damage to the hose, or if it will make removing the hose more difficult.

I did notice a slight amount of flashing, at the parting line, so I very lightly sanded the seam. I don't think that's what caused the leak, but cleaning it off couldn't hurt.

I used the screw clamps to tighten the hose, but I really don't like using those things, so I also put the spring clamps on, several inches away from the nipple. I'll give the sealant a few days to (hopefully) setup, then remove the screw clamps and move the spring plants into place.

Spaceme1117 · 03-23-2022, 06:35 AM

Couple of suggestions. Check the surge tank hose barbs for imperfections etc. It is a cast part and if there is excess casting flash (seam where the two halves of the plastic meet), this can cause a leak.

Throw away both the spring clamps and especially the screw/worm clamps. Get a few pinch clamps from McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/hose-clamps...hose-and-tube/

These will provide a much better seal and expand and contract with temperature which will prevent leaks and not destroy the rubber hose.

They are one-use clamps and you may need to experiment to find the exact size for the hose connection. But they are pretty much unbeatable for sealing.

These also have a much more OEM and professional look to them.

You will also need the right tool for installing them: https://www.amazon.com/Proster-Singl...%2C109&sr=8-51

I have switched to these types of hose clamps on my cars and they are so much better and easier to work with. Look very nice and never leak.

03-21-2022, 06:21 PM	#1
manniej Drives: 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: IL Posts: 22	Small Supercharger Cooling System Leak I installed the Edelbrock kit a couple weeks ago, and I've got a small leak (several drips an hour), at the surge/holding tank, that I can't seem to get rid of. I replaced the spring style hose clamps with screw/worm gear style hose clamps, but that didn't fix the problem. Next, I was thinking that the tank might have a crack, so I pulled it off, sealed off the two ends, and filled it with water, but the water level didn't drop at all. So, now I'm back to thinking it's a connection, but I don't know what else to try. Is there some sort of non-permanent glue/sealant that might work?

03-22-2022, 03:03 PM	#4
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crazy Coast Posts: 15,789 View My Garage	I've had hoses leak from the ENDS... That seems weird to me, but it's possible. I think it might go with the reasons posted above. Perhaps over-tightening the clamps could have caused it. I can be a little over zealous tightening clamps, myself, so this might be a possibility. __________________ '20 ZL1 Black "Fury" A10, PDR, Exposed CF Extractor Magnuson Magnum DI TVS2650R // RFBG // Soler 103 // TooHighPSI Port Injection // THPSI Billet Lid // FF // Katech Drop-In // PLM Heat Exchanger // ZLE Cradle bushings // BMR Chassis-Suspension Stuff // aFe Bars // Diode Dynamics LEDs // ACS Composites Guards // CF Dash // Aeroforce // tint // other stuffs

03-22-2022, 03:14 PM	#5
asthmamax11 Drives: 1SS Summit White 6 speed Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Gainesville GA Posts: 582	Was the kit used ? __________________ 16 1SS M6 White Magnuson 2.3 Heartbeat Roto Fab Solo Performance Cat deletes and Axleback Hurst short shifter #'s coming soon Riaction coilovers 1LE sway bars BMR mm BMR chassis brace Flow one 19" wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompsons 02 Z28 M6 35th anniversary 80k miles T-tops Leather Bolt ons Joy to drive this classic every day! Daily Driver

03-21-2022, 08:39 PM	#2
SSUNDVL Drives: 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 149	Does the hose have a hole in it? Clamps can be hard on hoses, might want to replace the hose or possibly might be able to use a heat shrink hose clamp.

03-21-2022, 09:40 PM	#3
manniej Drives: 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: IL Posts: 22	I don't think the hose has a hole. The tank is still off, and I have the two hoses blocked off using some hose clamp pinch pliers, about 4 inches from the end. I've got both ends angled up and filled them both with coolant. It's been about 5 hours and the level inside the hose hasn't dropped and I don't see a puddle forming on the floor (I would have had a noticeable puddle by now).

03-23-2022, 06:35 AM	#7
Spaceme1117 Drives: 2017 Camaro SS, 2011 Corvette GS Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Erlanger, Kentucky 41018 Posts: 856	Couple of suggestions. Check the surge tank hose barbs for imperfections etc. It is a cast part and if there is excess casting flash (seam where the two halves of the plastic meet), this can cause a leak. Throw away both the spring clamps and especially the screw/worm clamps. Get a few pinch clamps from McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/hose-clamps...hose-and-tube/ These will provide a much better seal and expand and contract with temperature which will prevent leaks and not destroy the rubber hose. They are one-use clamps and you may need to experiment to find the exact size for the hose connection. But they are pretty much unbeatable for sealing. These also have a much more OEM and professional look to them. You will also need the right tool for installing them: https://www.amazon.com/Proster-Singl...%2C109&sr=8-51 I have switched to these types of hose clamps on my cars and they are so much better and easier to work with. Look very nice and never leak.

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