SIMPLE STEAM VENT SOLUTION for your LS SWAP!

In this video, we show you how we run our simple steam vent solution for our ls swaps. It may not be for a show truck, but if you're looking for a way to effectively vent your LS heads, this is a great, inexpensive option!
Simple Steam Vent Solution
Mishimoto Water Temp Sender Adapter (34mm): amzn.to/35r2bEl
Fragola Black Barb Fitting: amzn.to/3f0SKjd
uses factory-style upper radiator hose
99-06 Gen 3 LS upper radiator hose: amzn.to/2SiyoYW
07-14 Gen 4 LS upper radiator hose: amzn.to/35gs5KB
Gates Power Grip Hose Clamps for Upper hose (1 1/2" - 1 3/4") (did not use in video, but suggested by Justin Scott (@mainstrodz) for cleaner look): amzn.to/2Yh0NCz
LS Cooling System (the Tejas Steelworks way)
Aluminum Fan Shroud: tejassteelwork...
Big Block Radiator (Spectra Premium CU730): amzn.to/2xRlQ3g
13" SPAL Fans: amzn.to/2xTwXc0
Big Block Radiator Cushions: amzn.to/2WzG4c8
Stant Radiator Cap: amzn.to/2JbfT3v
LMC Radiator Cover (32-0988): www.lmctruck.c...
Tru Cool 40k Trans Cooler: amzn.to/2JcQuXb
Speed Engineering Shorty Headers: amzn.to/2WjHu8j
Get Your UBT Shirts/Decals/Hats HERE: bit.ly/2JPDFCb
If you want to send us a care package, please use this address:
UNITED BY TRUCKS
1000 Whitlock Avenue NW
Suite 320, PMB 171
Marietta, GA 30064
#UNITEDBYTRUCKS #STEAMVENT #LSSWAP

[@paintgunexpress1949]

Yes...Very Clean Set Up......Diffently Got me sold on that. ...

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Right on!

[@looneyluke797]

More videos like this please! Very helpful

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Plenty of tech stuff like this in our LS swap playlist but much more coming

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

I'm fighting the steamvent on my LS 66 c10 now that it's running, glad one of you old videos could help out bro!

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Heck yeah

[@mikl911]

I didn't know the LS was a steam engine, learn something new every day. Love your videos keep em coming.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Thanks for watching!

[@Turbochapman]

More than you know brother. I bought the Entropy radiator with the steam vent fitting included.

[@gadgetdeez7069]

It's not a steam engine. It's a standard coolant flow cold side thermostat cooling system. Very similar to Honda, Toyota, all the other major manufacturers. Cold side thermostat offers a blended hot and cold water inlet to the engine. It maintains a more stable temperature, and does not thermally shock the engine. In addition, because the inlet and outlet of the block is at the water pump, outlet water has to go downhill to get to the water pump. Because air floats, it gets trapped in the head rather than going to the block outlet port at the water pump. So to evacuate, there must be a steam port at the top of the engine where the steam will collect. If you don't properly evacuate the steam, there is no coolant in the top of the combustion chamber and can allow the cylinder head to overheat while coolant temperatures remain relatively normal. This can lead to valve failure and catastrophic engine failure if The cylinder head were to let go of one of the valve seats because it got too hot. This is not something that you will see on a temperature gauge.

[@dustinswoboda4033]

i have same (cheaper ebay no name lol) one on my Nova (4.8), and i just installed one on a Regal (6.0). its a nice simple cheap solution (vs a "LS swap" radiator with the fitting). bonus in the case of the Regal it gave opportunity to shorten the upper hose a couple inches as the radiator isnt as wide as the truck the hose was for.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Exactly. Very well said.

[@46kvolt]

That is nice. Prob would’ve done that but the Holley mid mount accessory drive system I got has a built in steam tube return port.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Can't beat that!

[@anthonywheeler8226]

That is a decent solution. I used the same fitting TTR used on Pecos.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Sweet!

[@nwmod39]

I used the same coupler in my v8 astro swap. drilled and tapped for a bmw thermo switch that triggers the ford taurus 2 speed electric fan.

[@roystoys3099]

If I Had The Money To Do An LS3 Swap, I Would Definitely Do This Simple MOD!!

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Sweet!

[@chiefz5636]

Very helpful, a definate purchase for my obs ls swap.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeremym830]

This dude sounds like Dimebag! Its like Dimebag talking about motors instead of guitars. Lol

[@randybryant9936]

Short and sweet

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Yup. Sometimes it doesn't take a 20 minute video.

[@brandons4324]

For mine I just tapped a thread on the neck of the water pump outlet and did the same barbed fitting you did

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Heck yeah! A few ways to skin a cat for sure.

[@robertalan4346]

Helped me a lot thank you guys 🤘🏻 turbo ly2 gonna be reliable in a jiffy!

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Awesome

[@3rdGenC10s]

The ls swapped c10 I just picked up for the donor engine for my 2wd build has a similar setup to this. Great tip! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Nice 👍

[@VictorRodriguez-rj1rv]

Thanks for the update.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

You bet

[@moreclips805]

Heres an interesting question: ive got a tacoma with a blown head gasket. Pressure is building up in the cooling system from combustion process. Could this be a temporary fix to relieve pressure from my cooling system? Want to fit it between my water pump inlet, with the nipple leading to my recovery tank. Since the pressure causes the coolant to be displaced to my recovery tank, i want a way to recycle it back into the cooling system and this was the first thing that came to mind.

[@doug81337]

That's s definite yes 😎😎😎

[@CRXSLY]

I run mine on the return hose from the coolant reservoir that going into the radiator! :)

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

That's a good idea!

[@chriss-yc8xk]

Is that the gen 3 or 4 upper radiator hose? Looks like exactly the one I need

[@ther1rida]

Thank you !!!

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

You're welcome!

[@htowngizmo9799]

Where can I get the 1/4 coolant hose for the steam vent? Does it have to be high temp?

[@oldcroneysgarage9739]

I was looking at a 24 valve cummins diesel to throw in my 1982 chevy k20. I was thinking I could find a stand alone wiring harness for the cummins. So I can run the factory style tach,steering column,and all that good stuff.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

I'm sure you can! Go for it.

[@bringlanham4624]

Awesome information

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AmericaBumpertoBumper]

cool solution.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Thanks!

[@pauldietrich478]

Good job explaining how the steam vent is installed, however you never said anything for the reason of installing it. What is it's purpose.?

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Thanks! And that's true. This video is geared toward the person who knows it's necessary and is looking for a way to make it happen. That said, the steam vent is necessary to expel heat build-up in the heads due to the way the cooling system is designed for an LS. Primary reason being that the thermostat is in the water pump, below the highest point of the heads, and that affects how coolant is distributed throughout them.

[@gregbaker4356]

Awesome help thanks.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Thanks for watching!

[@refugiolopez6194]

Sweet thanks.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

No problem!

[@RogueKnight33]

I have a big block radiator from a 6.5 diesel. The upper hose doesn't fit on the Rad so I'm wondering how other people have used BB Rads and what hoses were used?

[@c10ogkj85]

I have a 85 c10 my I ask why you guys add this to hose for venting?

[@steveo6622]

I just ran mine back to the radiator . To the heater hose bung. Sence i wasn't using it. 68 c10 Lq4 4l80e. Seams to work fine.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Great solution for sure. Some don't want to do that and all mine haven't had that provision so this is what we came up with.

[@steveo6622]

@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS good idea for sure. If i had seen this before i did mine i would have done it like yours . 👍🏻👍🏻🍻

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

@@steveo6622 Very cool. The radiator is where the factory put it so you can't get wrong with that

[@jimbobunn5195]

Very helpful. Do all LS motors have this steam port? I'm researching to prep for swapping my square

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Yes, they do!

[@jesusochoa670]

Have you done a video on the brake system? On this particular vehicle

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

hmmmm. I don't think we have but it's basically a stock style set-up, just new.

[@trickyricky12147]

Nice alternative. Huh?

[@danielviorato1333]

Good video. But can you tell me where the throttle body coolant line connects to? Please

[@fstrthnu98]

Same place

[@rogerlizotte5151]

I have an 02 6.0 stock for the most part...I have put a 102mm and spacer plate ...what do I do with both water lines ....

[@williearcher1993]

What if I’m Running hose too my heater core?? And not doing hose return on water pump

[@geradosaucedo1615]

It’s a good dealLike your videos What’s the number part

[@iamgoat3035]

isnt there a fifth hose to deal with on stock LS, vortec engines not inc steamline? 2 heater hoses with some kinda qwik slip on connectors that may or may not work out on my gbody an upper n lower core radiator hoses then some size in between about an inch, where it go man?

[@jrsfunreview8609]

Just did this to my swap on a 78 c10 using a ls1. Having trouble getting air out the system tho temperature keeps raising and I feel the bottom radiator hose boiling up. I’m using the stock radiator from the truck. If I can’t get the air out this weekend I’m switching the radiator to the Fbody camaro one which that was the donor car. Any advice on what to do and if you recommend using the Fbody camaro radiator? It’s off a 98.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Your problem isn't the radiator, it's the air in the motor. You need to burp the cooling system. Should be plenty of videos online, but a shop can definitely help you too.

[@thabigghomie_]

Gud stuff Hey UBT

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

hey, hey!

[@infamousnova]

This is better than a $400 radiator

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

It can be, depending on your goals.

[@morgansword]

So if you don't run a heater and run it back into itself, then you run a steam vent hose?? Can you plumb from the inlet and outlet to to a heater for heat??

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Not sure I'm following you.

[@morgansword]

@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS I guess I should read my own comments..LOL. I was thinking about the steam vents the engine has. I guess that is something different that a regular 350 engine.. I was thinking is there some extra outlets on that engine?

[@jmarionclemmons5842]

Did u have to cut the upper radiator hose or there two separate parts

[@kirkbarnard2911]

LMC does not show a 32-0988 (Big Block radiator cover) and they don't have a "16" anymore. Any were else to get them

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

hmmm. I would call them. They should definitely have it.

[@kirkbarnard2911]

@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS I pulled out the trusty old catalog and it is listed there. I will give them a call. Thanks

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

@@kirkbarnard2911 heck yeah!

[@antoniojackson1976]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@jsperformance2982]

Where is your overfill hose from the radiator going to

[@kravmaga7070]

ive got an LM7/5.3 from an avalanche and it has that steam port go in one side of the bottom of the throttle bottle and right out the other side with about a 2 ft chunk of hose. Before attaching to a similar coupler in the upper hose, can I or should i just block off those throttle body ports and attach that longer 2 ft hose directly to the exit of the steamport on drivers head?

[@ThomasBilt]

I think most people dont run it through the throttle body

[@wallywallyblack1]

Is this done with every year of the 5.3 or just the newer years

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

All LS-based motors need the steam vent.

[@doc7amod]

Hey man appreciate sharing this info. I did exact same plumbing but I still have not run my engine. Any cooling or bleeding issue with such setup?

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Not one single problem

[@lorenzohollingshed149]

Did you modify the factory steam vent line?

[@arniecann1133]

What’s the purpose steam “t”?

[@Turbochapman]

It releases the built up steam in the upper head area since the coolant doesn't cross through the intake. Pressure needs a way to release and into the water pump is not correct and can cause problems

[@davidromero19]

Hey bud how did you mount your gas pedal? Thanks

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Mike made a bracket for it and welded it to the firewall. Pretty cool set-up with great pedal positioning.

[@davidromero19]

UNITED BY TRUCKS you don’t happen to have any pics of it by any chance?

[@mainstrodz]

You dont have a clamp on the steam vent hose at the cylinder head.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Haha i do now. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mainstrodz]

Also if you really want to clean up the look check out Gates Power Grip hose clamps. They are basically really bad ass heat shrink used them on several of my swaps.

[@MovingWeightTheLegalWay]

What size did you buy that mishimoto adapter

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

34mm. All parts are linked in the video description.

[@gmcnelly2468]

Dude, it looks like you have the radiator that has a barb for a heater hose return (unused). Could you not have used this for your vent?? It should be a lower cost alternative???

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

I could but I like this alternative bc it can be more hidden by the air intake and can be used on ANY ls swapped vehicle. But yes, I could just tie it into the radiator.

[@diyjman5259]

What happens if you just cap off those steam vents

[@cruzinezy1968]

engine will suffer a brutal overheating

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

What he said....

[@stephenwhite5444]

Air will trap in the engine, you cant get it all out. Then the bubbles will cause hot spots as well as hinder coolant flow. The system was designed to use them, they are necessary.

[@natedime5032]

How did you figure out what size you need I need one.

[@noobydiablo]

Measure it

[@geraldmills5406]

Hey Rob what intake tube are you running? I've been using factory breather and intake tube with my throttle body injection but now I'm switching to a Holley system and would really like to have a composite k&n setup

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

It's actually a cheap ebay intake. They work great and actually look pretty good. They can also be prettied up with new clamps etc.

[@geraldmills5406]

@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS Alright, what did you search for to find it?

[@yote4me680]

34 mill definitely doesn't seem big enough ..... I bought a 1-1/4 inch and it wasn't big enough and 34 mil is barely bigger than that

[@turboflush]

Why steam vent? For those that don't do ls swaps... Yet

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

LS engines need extra venting of hot air in the heads due to the way the thermostat is mounted in the water pump, down below the heads, causing hot air to build up in the heads if not vented.

[@morgansword]

@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS My qustion above answered here.. one anyway.

[@dirtykustomz]

Rob you wanna sell that truck in the back ?

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

haha I'm trying to hang on to it. Make a sweet shop truck instead of a trash truck, however, it is now all cleaned out and ready to go to the shop for some love. :)

[@dirtykustomz]

UNITED BY TRUCKS you need to that to Canada 🇨🇦 lol

[@SevenBears1]

Has anyone received shirts purchased from this channel. They said money was going to feed school children.. I purchased to help kids but seems it was a scam

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Dude. Relax. Go check your emails and you'll see shipping updates saying we had ceased shipping due to COVID, but planning to start back this week. Everyone else has been very understanding so please don't start something. I responded on your other post but feel free to email me at [e-mail] with your order info and I'll refund your money. Not sure I want you repping UBT anyway with an attitude like that. Geez. And to be clear, hundreds, if not thousands, have received merch from UBT. It just so happens that we've been in a health crisis recently that has halted our economy.

[@SevenBears1]

@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS never received update..

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

@@SevenBears1 it says SHIPPING UPDATE in the title.

[@gadgetdeez7069]

No, no it's not that simple. What you fail to realize is that while the thermostat is closed, any coolant that you push out of the steam ports has to be replaced by something. That volume is NOT coming from the lower hose when the thermostat is closed, it's also not coming from your heater core. So where does it come from? It comes from your upper radiator hose. So if flow in the upper hose (only in a system without a degas tank) is backwards while the thermostat is closed or nearly closed, then your engine is sucking up all that steam you are trying to get rid of and shoving it back into the block! So did you actually get rid of it? Short answer is NO. This is why you dont dump steam into the upper hose or the pump. If it were that easy, gm would have done it from the gate. Also, STOP LOOPING HEATER PORTS!!! This is a cold side thermostat and is very sensitive to pressure differential. The valve on the bottom of the thermostat is to block the bypass port to create a pressure differential between the section side of the pump and the hot coolant coming over the block. That way when the thermostat opens, the path of least resistance is coming through the valve of the thermostat via the lower hose of the radiator, and not the bypass port. Looping your heater port like that completely eliminates that pressure differential between the bypass port and the suction side of the water pump. What this means is when the thermostat actually opens, there's no pressure differential which means it will favor recirculating hot water and potentially mixing a little bit of cold water with it. This can lead to overheating issues. If you're not going to use the heater, block off the heater ports entirely. This will force all recirculated flow to go through the restrictive bypass port and when the thermostat actually opens it will favor pulling cold water in through the thermostat rather than recirculating hot water. Use your heads guys. The stuff they are telling you to do in this video is not smart. Don't do this!

[@gasratzcustoms]

Thank you!!!!

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

You're welcome!