loopy

iTrader: (1)

Hi All

I have an L31 vortec block which I intend to fit with electric water pump.

Trouble is, theres a hole directly below the mounting bolt for the WP which my electric wont cover.



It is the 10mm hole directly below the bolt hole.
It is covered by the standard waterpump.
What is this hole for? It is in the water jacket.
Can it be safely blocked off


Cheers Geoff

rusty vango

that hole is for a bit of circulation when the thermostat is closed. I wouldn't block it off.

loopy

iTrader: (1)

Hi Rusty

I wont be running a thermostat. My electric WP pulses when engine is cold to allow faster warmup.
Manufacturer recommends no thermo

Damon

My guess is your electric water pump won't even cover that port (at least not completely). If that's the case, you MUST plug it, otherwise water will come OUT of it.

loopy

iTrader: (1)

Yeah damon, that's correct. I just wanted to ensure that that hole wasn't vital before I plugged it.

If its just a by-pass for the thermostat that's ok I will plug it

RamIt

I believe that hole does not go to coolant like a non vortec sbc does. Pretty sure its a dead end and you dont need to plug it.

LilSki

iTrader: (1)

Simple test is blow into it with an air gun. If the air comes back at you it goes nowhere. If the air bleeds out somewhere then it goes into the coolant passages and must be plugged for your application.