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What is the real purpose of the steam vents on the heads?

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Old 03-11-2014, 05:07 PM
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Default What is the real purpose of the steam vents on the heads?

I am redoing my steam vents on the truck. i am curious what they really do. since they are so small i doubt they are really for cooling the heads. is there really steam in the top of the motor and is that why they are named steam vents?
Old 03-11-2014, 05:10 PM
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They are for the air bubbles that collect at the top of the heads. The air bubbles cause hot spots, overheating, warping, ect. The steam vents catch the air bubbles and recirculate them out of the head.
Old 03-11-2014, 05:16 PM
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oh ok that makes sense. so is the size of the line important? meaning -3 (3/16) or -4 (1/4) would really not make a difference right?
Old 03-11-2014, 05:20 PM
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I don't think it would make a difference between those two sizes. Look through Atomic's thread. I think he has redone his a couple times. He runs all four corners to a little collector box.
Old 03-11-2014, 05:52 PM
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Yea here is my current setup

Back returns to coolant tank

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Front goes to radiator

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Old 03-11-2014, 07:13 PM
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ebay and summit
Old 03-11-2014, 09:54 PM
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This is how I ran mine.

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Old 03-11-2014, 09:55 PM
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Just redid mine to this:

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Old 03-12-2014, 08:43 PM
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blackgmc is that blood all over your engine?
Old 03-12-2014, 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by greasemykey
blackgmc is that blood all over your engine?
Actually i think it is. I remember cutting my finger really bad during that install. It was really pouring out. I had a steady stream going.


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