Yeah, bypass the TB heater, not needed. Instead of the bottle, slip a tight fitting hose over the overflow line and run it up under the windshield wipers to test, not coolant should come out. That way you can rule out the decreasing level from being overflow.

 

Planning on just bypassing the heater as others have done. Having done some reading, seems I just remove the TBH, disconnect the hoses and connect them using some copper pipe and clamps. That seem about right? I'm going to set up a system to collect the overflow after I get this done.

 

Don't bother with all that, just run a 5/16" trans cooler hose from the bottle to the intake manifold nipple behind the AC compressor.

 

That seems almost too easy. Hopefully, it will quit raining and I can get that done tonight or tomorrow.

 

Well. As is the case this isn't going as easy as it appears. Was taking the ac condenser off and I snapped one of the bolts holding it on. Other three are fine. I've never had a ton of luck drilling out bolts like this, is that my only solution here?

 

And you might know it is one of the rear ones (the front ones are superfluous more or less). A few options:

1. Three should hold it fine. The load on the compressor is down in front from the belt tension. About 150 lbs. That one rear bolt has a minimum tensile strength of about 1800 lbs, so it will do the job.
2. Replace the bracket. One of the breakers on the forum or facebook should have one. Don't know your location but Paul Grant is in the NE, Doc Heydary in the SE, Mikey Bruderman in Midest. Someone else can problem recommend SW or NW.
3. Drill it out out and helicoil the bracket. I don't remember if that bracket hole is a through hole or not but you might have some success in drilling from the other side where the tip of the bolt should be flat.

 

I'm in Maryland. After thinking about it for a few minutes, and feebly attempting to drill it while still on the engine, I figured three bolts had to be enough. I may order another bracket if I can and replace it in the winter. I know my wife will be happier with that solution in the long run. Did redo the hoses while I was in there. I needed to use a 3/8" instead of a 5/16". I couldn't get the 5/16" on the barb behind the compressor. Used some worm clamps to snug them up and the pressure leak was solved. Thanks for the input and advice about the bolt.

 

Yeah, hit Doc Heydary on Facebook and tell him I sent you. He will hook you up with a bracket for a great price.