Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Since I now have to remove the front clip after the fire to "rework" things, does anybody have a good suggestion as to getting the water distribution tube out of the block. When we restored the car in '98 the engine shop that did the rebore could not get the tube out of the block. It had been sitting for more than 25 years when we bought it. It has always run a bit hot at speed. It has a new style ball bearing water pump, but stock otherwise. My thought is to drill two opposing holes (top and bottom), make a hook device and attach it to a LARGE slide hammer. Alternatively, use progressive sized reamers to remove as much corrosion as possible. Your thoughts please?

Mike

I tried pulling mine out with a hook to no avail. What finally worked for me was to slip a thin strip of metal between the tube and the block, working it in and back to slightly bend and loosen the tube on the sides. Go around all the facets of the tube. I think BigKev mentioned this technique. Then, once it loosened up, I was able to grab it with needle nose pliers and pull it out.

Once out, you may have to straighten the tube side flat again with a hammer and some kind of long, flat piece of stock. It's pretty easy to shape brass where you want it to go.

Attach file:

---

  (59.90 KB)


  (45.78 KB)


  (88.02 KB)

Thanks so much, I will be trying this also. It will be a bit till get back to working on the car again but I'm thankful for the suggestions. I know the radiator is clean and clear so this will be one more thing to check in the quest for appropriate cooling. I need it to be cool for adding the A/C.
Thanks again,
Mike

Memory says someone was making these out of stainless.

Memory says someone was making these out of stainless.

Could be Randy, but not that I'm aware of. Actually brass is a perfectly suitable material but whether stainless or brass, removing to clean more often than once every half-century is really the answer.

If I live long enough to have to remove mine again, I will either:
a. Be surprised
b. Not care
c. Realize that I didn't do it right

If any of you 20 year olds just finished the procedure, you:
a. Should be applauded for your interest in a Packard
b. Possibly expect to do it again someday
c. Are part of an elite crowd that may own a priceless auto someday.

To ensure you don't have to revisit the scene of the crime, as posted earlier, use only soft, not distilled, water and a good rust/corrosion inhibitor like www.no-rosion.com. If your car will never be exposed to a hard freeze and doesn't have air conditioning, avoid antifreeze like the plague.


As mentioned above, brass is a fine material.

I'm running Florida tap with WaterWetter.