Water Distribution Tube

[meadowbrook]

Hi all.

I understand the purpose of the water distribution tube is to cool the exhaust valve area of the block.

 

I have never seen mine and my vehicle has been running just fine for the last 4 years, never overheats.

 

Can I assume my distribution tube is fine? What symptoms would an engine display if the tube was overly corroded or missing?

[Andydodge]

As one who has had a less than happy relationship with a water tube and its removal I say let sleeping dogs lie.....lol........I only removed the one in the 230 block as the engine was on a stand eventually getting rebuilt so playing with the water tube at that time was relatively easy......or so I thought...........as for any symptoms that would be displayed, I doubt whether it would get to that stage, I mean that by the time the tube had rusted away to the extent that there was no water being directed to the exhaust valve pockets there would be lots of other problems with the engine systems that would probably mask the water tube issues.........I would think that if you are replacing the water pump then by all means have a go at seeing if the water tube comes out easily but there are probably other things such as getting the radiator cleaned out, replacing all the welch plugs and hosing out the block and a new pump that would help the engine cooling as well as keeping your sanity...........lol..........my 2 oz cents worth........regards, andyd    

Edited October 28, 2015 by Andydodge

[Roadkingcoupe]

Just a thought...

Using one of those digital temp / thermometer guns you could measure the temperature of the block at each cylinder. (after running the motor to operating temperatures).

This would allow you to understand the heat and or differential of heat going from the front cylinder to the back.This would be similar to a compression check but for cooling / heat instead.

Since the water distribution tube is quite narrow at the rear of the motor, any blockage would show up as higher temps near the back of the engine.

Edited October 28, 2015 by Roadkingcoupe

[BigDaddyO]

Just a thought...

Using one of those digital temp / thermometer guns you could measure the temperature of the block at each cylinder. (after running the motor to operating temperatures).

This would allow you to understand the heat and or differential of heat going from the front cylinder to the back.This would be similar to a compression check but for cooling / heat instead.

Since the water distribution tube is quite narrow at the rear of the motor, any blockage would show up as higher temps near the back of the engine.

This would be my suggestion, just to put your mind at ease. For $20 or $30 you would have a neato new toy too. I use mine on my aquarium and for checking food when I'm cooking. They are also very handy for checking the temp of brake drums and rotors.

[meadowbrook]

Thanks, all, will leave it alone.