Why are steam tubes plumbed into cylinder heads?
Thus, it’s probably likely that you’ve wondered at least once why they have steam tubes plumbed into the cylinder heads. And even if you’re aware of the logistical reasons behind these tubes, did you know that stock ones can eventually cause problems including overheating, detonation, or pre-ignition?
What can cause a steam engine to overheat?
Like air bubbles trapped in brake lines, this can cause some major problems. “Any air that enters the system can get trapped, forming bubbles in the coolant. These bubbles can accumulate over time. And they form a pocket of air that actually prevents the continuous flow of the coolant. These hot spots can cause overheating problems.
Why are steam tubes important in an LS engine?
Most importantly, Earl’s steam tubes reportedly “allow coolant to flow to the highest points of the engine, removing any trapped air and helping to keep your engine running cooler.” And as anybody with a modified engine knows, keeping things cool under the hood is critical to repeatable performance. Especially in boosted applications.
Do you need a 400 head gasket for steam holes?
Requiring a 400 head gasket, the gasket provides a useable template to scribe out the steam holes to properly drill into the head, without ruining the deck surface and weakening the heads infrastructure. Utilizing a center punch to create a divot that helps stabilize the drill bit during the drilling process.
Thus, it’s probably likely that you’ve wondered at least once why they have steam tubes plumbed into the cylinder heads. And even if you’re aware of the logistical reasons behind these tubes, did you know that stock ones can eventually cause problems including overheating, detonation, or pre-ignition?
What’s the best way to drill a steam hole?
Another slew of image diagrams alluded to a set of other, entirely different strategies. With one using a 9/64-inch drill bit and drilling the intake side holes 30 degrees towards the exhaust side of the head, while another employs a 45 degree angle.
What kind of small block has steam holes?
The 400 ci block is the only Chevrolet small-block that has the steam holes on the deck surface. The Chevrolet small-block is by-far one of the most versatile V8 known to man. Whether it’s the driving force behind a Chevy platform, like Ed Cole intended, or being part of a Rat Rod Ford Model T rebuild, the influence of this engine is unmistakable.