How do I replace a steel pipe in a aluminium cylinder head
Discussion
If that's a mild steel tube in an aluminium casting, it should loosen with heat (Alu coef/expansion roughly double that of mild steel). Heat would also soften any adhesive/sealant. Given that you will not be able to get any significant temperature differential now that it's fitted, you may struggle to get it hot enough to come completely loose and will probably need to apply some force as well. Refitting the replacement would be easier since you can get a big temperature differential hence much more differential expansion.
That looks like some sort of display stand. If you're doing this work for cosmetic reasons, you'd need to be prepared to re-clean the casting afterwards. It might be easier to polish/refurb/paint the pipe in situ if it's just the surface finish that concerns you.
That looks like some sort of display stand. If you're doing this work for cosmetic reasons, you'd need to be prepared to re-clean the casting afterwards. It might be easier to polish/refurb/paint the pipe in situ if it's just the surface finish that concerns you.
GreenV8S said:
If that's a mild steel tube in an aluminium casting, it should loosen with heat (Alu coef/expansion roughly double that of mild steel). Heat would also soften any adhesive/sealant. Given that you will not be able to get any significant temperature differential now that it's fitted, you may struggle to get it hot enough to come completely loose and will probably need to apply some force as well. Refitting the replacement would be easier since you can get a big temperature differential hence much more differential expansion.
That looks like some sort of display stand. If you're doing this work for cosmetic reasons, you'd need to be prepared to re-clean the casting afterwards. It might be easier to polish/refurb/paint the pipe in situ if it's just the surface finish that concerns you.
Thanks for the advice, the image is not mine but is a nice clean example for decent viewingThat looks like some sort of display stand. If you're doing this work for cosmetic reasons, you'd need to be prepared to re-clean the casting afterwards. It might be easier to polish/refurb/paint the pipe in situ if it's just the surface finish that concerns you.
I will use some force to get it out and an oven to heat the head before fitting a new pipe
The job isn't urgent but could be in the future
stevieturbo said:
That's an impressive head stand !!
But such pipes are usually just pressed/bonded in some way or another, so no reason why it couldnt be replaced, might take a bit of effort to remove it though.
But such pipes are usually just pressed/bonded in some way or another, so no reason why it couldnt be replaced, might take a bit of effort to remove it though.
Boosted LS1 said:
It'll just be an interference fit. Should pull out with a suitable wrench. Fitting a replacement will probably require cooling of the pipe along with a nice warm head. Use loctite sealant perhaps. It may even have an 'o' ring.
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