The Ford Barn

50MercMetalHead · 10-17-2021, 03:19 PM

Getting my merc back together for some fall cruising before winter hits. Im bypassing the heater cores and I’m wondering if I can just plug the fittings on the head and water pump or if I have to have a hose running between the two? Looks like I can just plug them, but I want to make sure.

FortyNiner · 10-17-2021, 03:26 PM

Plug 'em and get crusing before the snow flies.

19Fordy · 10-17-2021, 05:20 PM

I use antiseize compound on the threads. Use brass plugs. Don't over tighten.

50MercMetalHead · 10-17-2021, 11:15 PM

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

rotorwrench · 10-18-2021, 08:52 AM

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My 51 has a small brass valve mounted in the head to stop the flow for summer use. It may be an aftermarket part though and all it does is stop the flow. Plug it if there is no way the heater core will hold coolant.

The system on the 50 and 51 cars has a flow control valve that is controlled by the dash control lever but they can deteriorate and need either rebuild or replacement.

10-17-2021, 03:19 PM	#1
50MercMetalHead Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Minnesota Posts: 31	50 merc heater bypass Getting my merc back together for some fall cruising before winter hits. Im bypassing the heater cores and I’m wondering if I can just plug the fittings on the head and water pump or if I have to have a hose running between the two? Looks like I can just plug them, but I want to make sure.

10-17-2021, 03:26 PM	#2
FortyNiner Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: u-rah-rah-Wisconsin Posts: 1,136	Re: 50 merc heater bypass Plug 'em and get crusing before the snow flies. __________________ 19 and 49 F1 - jes' like Henry II built 1946 Deluxe - as Henry built it

10-17-2021, 05:20 PM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,924	Re: 50 merc heater bypass I use antiseize compound on the threads. Use brass plugs. Don't over tighten.

10-17-2021, 11:15 PM	#4
50MercMetalHead Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Minnesota Posts: 31	Re: 50 merc heater bypass Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

10-18-2021, 08:52 AM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,425	Re: 50 merc heater bypass Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) My 51 has a small brass valve mounted in the head to stop the flow for summer use. It may be an aftermarket part though and all it does is stop the flow. Plug it if there is no way the heater core will hold coolant. The system on the 50 and 51 cars has a flow control valve that is controlled by the dash control lever but they can deteriorate and need either rebuild or replacement. Last edited by rotorwrench; 10-18-2021 at 08:57 AM.