What's a good way to cap this thing? It's the small welded nipple that comes off the upper heater metal line, which feeds the steam line on 86+ vettes. In 85, there is no steam vent, just this stupid open fitting to leak... maybe a previous owner installed it from a later year car?

The car came with what looked like a factory rubber cap, which lasted awhile.

I've since replaced it, with other caps but they don't last long with the heat and aren't reinforced.

The best I can think of is a short piece of 5/16" hose with a clamp, then a plug in the end of it with another clamp. But this is a sort of ghetto repair, I would prefer something better. Here's a picture with a bolt clamped into it.

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If it's 5/16", isn't that about the same size as a tire valve stem cap?. Might be able to run a die on the tube and fit something like this... just a thought.

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The best way would be to install a fitting that doesn't have the extra tube. I can't tell from the pic if that is a removable fitting, or if it is a solid metal tube with that fitting.
If solid tube, I would remove the tube, cut the nipple off and put a weld there, and repaint.
If it is a removable fitting in the line, Parker sells almost every type of fittings in different configurations. Their outlets also install all the 'crimp' style ends for hydraulics etc. that are like the OEM.

My suggestion was going to be similar to Fluff's. Is there any way you can either run a die around it or even tap the interior pipe and cap/screw it?

Otherwise if it's metal you could weld it shut.

Matthew

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Yea, agreed. Even silver solder would work.

But, the big question is, like M said, is it removable?

Do you have a set of thread gauges? Might be able to get a metal cap.

It's not threaded, just a barbed tube end. Pinching and soldering doesn't sound like a bad idea, but getting a torch in there around everything would be tricky.

I stuck a piece of heater hose on there and used a bolt with a large shoulder and clamped it all down.

And all I had was hi-miler hose, so it's bluer and more visible than ever!

I was almost ready to call BP and see if they had any ideas. And while I was trying to fix it, this stupid flock of pelicans kept bathing in all the fluid as it was gushing out.