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Now that my radiator is removed and sent out to be refurbished (they just called back and said its totally clogged and needs a re core, $$$ ouch) I was thinking about removing the water pump and attempting to change out the water cooling tube. I just don't think it will easily come out and don't want to start something I can't finish. Has anyone removed theirs and how difficult was it. Maybe I should let a sleeping dog lay.

Sorry, meant water distribution tube.

Hi Bill,

Search online..........I've seen lots of discussions by the flat head guys about how to remove the tube and the things that usually go wrong while trying. I seem to remember a happy ending for all the ways the tube doesn't want to come out or breaks while trying. I think the take-away regarding the distribution tube is you want to get it out while you can and not let it degrade any further than it already is. If it's on its way out it's best to replace it. Leaving it to get worse will cause engine cooling issues and eventually failure. I don't have time to find those sites right now, but if you can't find them let me know and maybe I can try finding them this weekend. I'm also sure many on here have a story or two about how they removed their tube.

regards,
bob

Thanks Bob. Actually found a great article on removing the tube (tech tips p15-d24.com). I'm sure the tube is 62 years young, and I'm sure it's not coming out without a fight. And yes, you're right, it should be changed as soon as possible. I'm just afraid of starting to remove it and damaging it beyond the point it's serviceable. Maybe if I were a few years younger I'd just try it. I have visions of having to pull the motor. Toooo old for that now, lol.

Bill,

I removed mine and it wasn't that bad to get out. If you look on the Midwest Military website they have a picture of a removal tool for the tube. You could buy one from John or make your own like I did.

I managed to get the tube to move out about a half an inch before it bound up, I tapped it back in and started the removal again and it came out with limited resistance.

Bert

An oldtimer trick is to pour some soluble oil into the rear heater fitting, with the truck jacked up on the passenger side so it flows next to the tube rear.

Use a quart, with a little squirted into the tube front as well.

It will lube up the rusty thing, and will wash out with water later.

DG

Thanks everyone for the tips. Might actually get up the nerve to try it !

Midwest Military sells new tubes for $48 and they come with a puller tool for removing the old one and the 2 water pump gaskets (came to $64.10 with shipping to SC).

Found this link by accident ................covers the tube removal about 1/4 way down the page.

http://p15-d24.com/page/p15d24/tech/tech_tips.html

regards,
bob

Thanks Bob. already found that link. Quite helpful.