GO FISHING, use SLABSAUCE Fishing Attractant
Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: OK to use Copper Tee to Bypass Heater?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Long Beach, CA
    Posts
    2,563

    Default OK to use Copper Tee to Bypass Heater?

    Does anyone know if a copper tee would cause any problems with the cooling system. I bought a copper tee to use to bypass the Heater Core (Leak). If there's a problem with copper, I'll find a plastic one at an auto parts store. I was going to connect hoses 2 & 3 to the horizontal on the tee and hose 1 to the vertical on the tee.
    Attached Images Attached Images  
    Last edited by uscharalph; 07-15-2005 at 06:19 PM.

    Ralph Mendoza Jr. - Long Beach, CA

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    517

    Default

    Copper and aluminum in an electrolyte, which the coolant is as it ages and becomes acidic, is not a good thing. e30 had bad result from copper or brass fitting in ac evaporator. Plastic should be easy to find.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,839

    Default

    as a temporary measure copper will be fine, dont leave it there forever though.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Penang, Malaysia
    Posts
    243

    Default

    i'm sorry to re-activate an old thread - i could not find info after much searching thru the archives.

    what size (in mm diameter) of tee would be right to do this bypass and what material is best?

    Quote Originally Posted by uscharalph
    Does anyone know if a copper tee would cause any problems with the cooling system. I bought a copper tee to use to bypass the Heater Core (Leak). If there's a problem with copper, I'll find a plastic one at an auto parts store. I was going to connect hoses 2 & 3 to the horizontal on the tee and hose 1 to the vertical on the tee.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Long Beach, CA
    Posts
    2,563

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ktteoh
    i'm sorry to re-activate an old thread - i could not find info after much searching thru the archives.

    what size (in mm diameter) of tee would be right to do this bypass and what material is best?
    It's funny, that same copper tee is still in my car over a year ago. I'll see if i can find the receipt.

    Ralph Mendoza Jr. - Long Beach, CA

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    O.C.
    Posts
    463

    Default

    speaking of coolant temp fixes.
    I used epoxy on my expansion tank for about a year and 2 months. I finally threw done 40 bills. This was when it was very hot in SD.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Penang, Malaysia
    Posts
    243

    Default

    ralph, could you take a picture of the copper tee as installed - i want to know that i get the flow right - did you have to extend the hoses or is the existing ones have sufficient length?

    Quote Originally Posted by uscharalph
    It's funny, that same copper tee is still in my car over a year ago. I'll see if i can find the receipt.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    290

    Default

    I know you can use the existing hoses. I'm Ralph's brother and I did the install. I remember just having to loosen some of the clamps to adjust the hoses just right. Hopefully Ralph will post a pic.

    Greg Mendoza

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Long Beach, CA
    Posts
    2,563

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Mendozart
    I know you can use the existing hoses. I'm Ralph's brother and I did the install. I remember just having to loosen some of the clamps to adjust the hoses just right. Hopefully Ralph will post a pic.
    Here's the pics I finally took. I goofed up on the last one showing the rubber plugs keeping things from getting inside the heater core. Maybe tommorrow.
    Attached Images Attached Images   

    Ralph Mendoza Jr. - Long Beach, CA

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Penang, Malaysia
    Posts
    243

    Default

    ralph, thanks for the pictures. can you tell me the diameter of the tee joint used - maybe put a small ruler against the one in your car?

    sincerely appreciate your help & trouble you took to help me.

    Quote Originally Posted by uscharalph
    Here's the pics I finally took. I goofed up on the last one showing the rubber plugs keeping things from getting inside the heater core. Maybe tommorrow.

Similar Threads

  1. A/T Pan Fill Copper Washer Size is... what?
    By RobPatt in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-22-2008, 09:53 AM
  2. Heater Core Bypass - 89 535i E34 model
    By angusbn in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 07-20-2008, 06:58 PM
  3. copper ring that holds headlight bulb in
    By bbig119 in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 04-05-2007, 07:38 AM
  4. E34 heater core bypass
    By ktteoh in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 01-06-2007, 08:12 AM
  5. OT: Ford F-150 heater core bypass
    By bimmerd00d in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 01-05-2005, 12:00 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •