[jdmccright]

I originally posted to an older thread because I wanted to know how to remove the heater hose from the quick connect fitting screwed into the water pump. This because that fitting had sprung a leak on me the other day. Apparently it had been replaced by the previous owner (monkey wrench teeth marks were quite visible). Turns out the whole fitting was made of zinc and being screwed into the cast iron water pump made for a nice big galvanic couple. I got barely a turn on the wrench when the threads crumbled from galvanic corrosion, dropping pieces down into the pump body. Had to remove and flush the pump of debris. Replaced it with a new fitting that I made sure was galvanized steel (ol' magnet test). Also replaced the heater core since I wasn't getting any heat output...could hear junk rattling in it but want to cut it open to see what's inside. I still think there are more pieces in the engine passage partially blocking it...any ideas on how to flush that crap out???

Let this be a warning to all...test that fitting to be sure it is made of steel and not a cheap cast-zinc aftermarket part. If it isn't, replace it immediately!