LS 6.0 Question about water pump. Thanks in advance

crawler nut · Aug 17, 2013

This is for all the LS guys.
I am putting in a LQ9 6.0 in my rig an wondering about the 2 nipples coming out the water pump. I know what there for but I am not going to be using a heater core.
My question is do I need to tie them together with a loop? Or can I plug them off individualy? Does the water need to run a loop or will it be ok to plug them off? Thanks

85toyo · Aug 17, 2013

You can do it either way. To block them, you can tap the holes with a 3/8 and 1/2 NPT tap. They way I understand it, when you block them a freeze plug with a small hole is needed inside the water pump to correct the flow.

here's a good read on it

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general-4x4-discussion/847999-lsx-thermostat.html

and a picture of mine blocked off

jmh78 · Aug 17, 2013

I am pretty sure the freeze plug is only needed if you are not going to run a thermostat. Without the thermostat in there the water pump will short cycle and not move any fluid. It also helps to heat the pump a little before you try to remove the nipples. They are pressed in and can be a PITA to get out. Speedway is a great place to get the allen head pipe plugs like shown above but the 3/8" and 1/2" npt taps are not cheap.

85toyo · Aug 17, 2013

In most situations it will run hot with a thermostat which is why most people use a freeze plug instead of a tstat. I got my taps at a local hardware store for about $15 each.

crawler nut · Aug 17, 2013

jmh78 said:
I am pretty sure the freeze plug is only needed if you are not going to run a thermostat. Without the thermostat in there the water pump will short cycle and not move any fluid. It also helps to heat the pump a little before you try to remove the nipples. They are pressed in and can be a PITA to get out. Speedway is a great place to get the allen head pipe plugs like shown above but the 3/8" and 1/2" npt taps are not cheap.

Thanks Guys, Is there any reason I couldnt put heavy duty rubber caps an them an block them off? Is there pressure or any reson I couldnt do that?

85toyo · Aug 17, 2013

crawler nut said:
Thanks Guys, Is there any reason I couldnt put heavy duty rubber caps an them an block them off? Is there pressure or any reson I couldnt do that?

Hitman is done this way if I remember correctly. I decided to tap and plug mine to eliminate the chance of a leak, etc.

jmh78 · Aug 17, 2013

Just less chance of a leak. If you tap and plug be careful not to tap too deep. A npt tap is conical and you can get the hole too large for the short plugs to wedge in.

crawler nut · Aug 17, 2013

85toyo said:
In most situations it will run hot with a thermostat which is why most people use a freeze plug instead of a tstat. I got my taps at a local hardware store for about $15 each.

Why does it run hot? Just trying to learn, this is my first LS engine.

85toyo · Aug 17, 2013

crawler nut said:
Why does it run hot? Just trying to learn, this is my first LS engine.

Not sure because I have no personal experience with it. Randy Slawson said run the freeze plug so that's what I'm going to do. :****:

rock mafia · Aug 18, 2013

crawler nut said:
Why does it run hot? Just trying to learn, this is my first LS engine.

I've build at least 10 rigs with ls motors. Never had a problem using stock thermostats.

85toyo · Aug 18, 2013

rock mafia said:
I've build at least 10 rigs with ls motors. Never had a problem using stock thermostats.

Do you loop the heater ports together or block them off individually?

civicmindedex79 · Aug 18, 2013

Mine have the rubber caps on it and always have. Advanced auto has them in the help section. Mine is a LS1 and need one 5/8" and 3/4" cap. Interesting to hear about the overheating problems with a thermostat. I took mine out immediately because it always run on the hotter side. I just assumed it had something to do with the factory pump trying to push the water to the rear being restricted. I know it has worked great since I took thermostat out.

1TONZR2 · Aug 18, 2013

be careful of the rubber plugs, they will dry rot and will bust open when you are in the middle of no where. I used a short piece of hose and connected mine.

Brian