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Hello Everyone,
I'm attempting to remove the tube from a 356, probably for the first time in a long time. It's stuck really well. Other posts suggest working a thin metal strip along the edges to free it. Tried that and can only get about half-way through to the back.

My next thought is to use something thicker, perhaps a metal bar about 1/8 thick or so to break the seal between the tube and block. Something I can tap with a hammer. I have a new tube so ruining the old one is OK, but my concern/nightmare would be breaking it and having part of it stuck in the block.

What do you guys think?

Perhaps the back end of it is kind of "cemented" in place by decades of accumulated sludge and rust. If you think that might be the case I'd think about reinstalling the water pump and giving the system an aggressive hot soak with a derusting concoction like oxalic or citric acid solutions or one of the commercial products (Thermocure?).

Blasting down the tube with a high pressure washer might help dislodge built up crud.

Thanks for the ideas gents. I did an acid flush and have also tried thermocure a year ago or so. I have the radiator out for a recore and thought I should go all the way with a tube removal and some wire brushing. I can insert a small rod all the way to the back of the block so I think the tube itself is not clogged up, just cemented to the block. I think I will go gentle a while longer and maybe just leave it as is. Thanks guys.

Good evening...I would consider using a soft wood 1x2 plained down to fit snugly inside the water distribution tube. Fill the tube front to back and let the wood stick out of the front of the engine a good two feet so that you have leverage. Slowly apply up and down pressure, over and over and it will come loose. I know because I have removed mine using this method...it took most of the morning, however it did work...Good Luck, Ernie in Arizona

Thanks Ernie,
That's a good idea!

Mark, you may want to have a replacement tube in hand before trying to remove the one in the engine; or, at least have a verified source for one. This, just in case the one you remove will no longer be serviceable.

Thanks JWL, I have one.

Quote:

Where can they be purchased?

Todd.

Check with gerry.

Psw.