Hey everyone,
Just something that got me thinking. In regards to dis-similar metal corrosion, what material should the fitting be that threads into the (aluminum)intake maifold going to the heater core?

Brass, stainless steel? carbon steel? of course aluminum would be ideal.... i guess a person could make their own from alumin pipe stock..i couldnt see any alumn fittings available in my industrial catalogue.

Whats everyone using here?

factory used steel. You however may use whatever is your favorite alloy

I assume this is for a small block? I have a SB aluminum fitting in my product line. It is a new product so it isn't on my website yet.

You raise a good question. I have a 1992 Shivvy Silverado that the factory heater hose connector corroded and broke off. The intake is cast iron and the fitting appears to be potmetal. Electrolysis caused the potmetal fitting to literally crumble and break off the manifold. I thought the same thing - dissimilar metals with an electrolyte (coolant) equals trouble.

The chevy easy-corrode pot metal nipples broke alot and they were screwed into aluminum intakes. The parts department switched to all steel nipples as soon as these things were coming in everyday. The 2.8, 3.1 and 3.4 engines as well. Most of us had a quality pipe tap in our boxes too.