can i remove this coolant "tree" (3x00)

[rsisbetter]

I would like to remove the coolant pipe "tree", as i call it, located on the front and top of the water pump/timming cover. It runs up underneath of the plenum and back down into the LIM by the t-stat. NOW, keep in mind, HVAC is NOT an issue, as the car does NOT have any HVAC what so ever. I have already solidly removed the heater core lines and plugged them in the manifold, so this is the only coolant line left, other than the actual radiator hoses and resevoir lines. Pics below.

Thanks much,
Cody

[ghrarhg]

That tree still covers the thermostat bypass, which circulates coolant through the engine before the thermostat opens. It's the hard line below the UIM that attaches to the hose at the top.

[IsaacHayes]

What is that engine and what is it in? I see an LX9 front exhaust manifold.. what's on the rear?

Yeah I think you need to keep that line...

[1988GTU]

What is that engine and what is it in? I see an LX9 front exhaust manifold.. what's on the rear?

Yeah I think you need to keep that line...

Looks like a cavalier.

You need that "T" .

[rsisbetter]

Yes, a cavalier. This is a 3400, but i have a 3500 waiting to go in.
So if it just circulates warm water back to the pump, (cold weather for the heater), then i dont really need it...?

Thanks
cody

[ghrarhg]

It's not for the heater. The heater would circulate without this. This allows coolant to circulate through the engine till the thermostat opens. It would be the equivalent of not running a water pump till the thermostat opens.

The thermostat operating is a seperate issue. With no flow through the engine, the thermostat may take longer to open, since it's not in a hot part of the engine, the block or heads could get very hot waiting for it to open.

Why do you want to get rid of this?

[rsisbetter]

for starters, it leaks, its in the way, and its tacky. And, i thought it would clean up and simplify the engine/engine bay alot. I have already permanently deleted the heater core lines back to the engine, so i figure take these out as well.

Thanks much,
Cody

[Superdave]

Like i said on V6Z24, you need it. The car will overheat without it.


Search around on V6Z24, There is another style tree that you can use to route the lines a different way that looks better. Or you could always custom fab something.


*edit, can you grab a pic of your tree from the other side?

[rsisbetter]

will this work?

[Doug Guilds]

So if you didn't run a T-stat, just a washer like in my dirst car you could delete this piece?

[Superdave]

So if you didn't run a T-stat, just a washer like in my dirst car you could delete this piece?

most likely.

[rsisbetter]

Very good point! Not saying I will, but you could...

[geoffinbc]

You could eliminate the T-Stat and install a restrictor in the thermostat housing. Don't run it full flow. Or you could eliminate the tree and put in a pipe fitting with a hose. As long as you have water circulate out from the intake and back to the inlet side of the pump. This gives you the water circulation you need until the thermostat opens.