Wire in block

[fargo52]

Anyone know what this wire is for it's in the cylinder block on the valve side and it is visible if you look down the four coolant ports .

[fargo52]

It's 1/16 in size and runs the length of the block one long wire it's in each one of these coolant ports but goes around the head bolt holes . 

Edited November 21, 2016 by fargo52

[NiftyFifty]

Wow...you got me...never noticed that in my block when I stripped it, or had it dipped

[fargo52]

I looked from front to back of this engine cannot figure out how they even got that thing in there just confused it's not doing any harm just wondering if anyone knew how or what it was for. 

[Dodgeb4ya]

I have seen several wires in blocks before.

Must be part of the casting process.

Took one out of a chrysler 354 hemi block a few months ago.

[fargo52]

I guess it has lasted 62 years so it will survive a little longer maybe it's an anode ?? if it is it's survived without Rotting !! 

[PT81Jan]

As Dodgeb4ya correctly assumed this is a relic from the casting process.  The wires are used to prevent thin sand cores as used for waterjackets from breaking or deforming while pouring the block in the foundry. When there is no suitable opening in the cast part to remove the wire after the sand is taken out, the wire remains in the casting. Doesn`t hurt to leave it inside, but is also no problem to cut it in to pieces when accessible and remove it from the hollow (I did).

Scetch is only an example. Shows a cross-section of a crankcase block.

Edited November 23, 2016 by PT81Jan
picture added

[fargo52]

I am impressed with your explanation and with the illustrations thanks.  

[PT81Jan]

You are welcome. I have a bit job experience in develop patterns / foundry tools and engine development.  One of my specialities is development of cast parts.  So I am glad to share some of the knowledge to answer or clarify some odd things like that above 

[Todd B]

I think that's where the blinker fluid comes from.

[Charlie Stephenson]

I think It's the Blinker Fluid dip stick. Charlie Stephenson

[JPP]

I noticed one on my p24, and couldn't figure out how it got in there either. Wire seemed no worse for wear, is it brass?  Thanks for the insight. 

[PT81Jan]

2 hours ago, JPP said:

I noticed one on my p24, and couldn't figure out how it got in there either. Wire seemed no worse for wear, is it brass?  Thanks for the insight. 

Usually the wires are made out of (any low carbon) steel. When the water jacket hollow has been filled with water and an anti corrosive (or with blinker oil ) most of the time, it should not have been corroded. Mine was a noticeably corroded, which helped to crack it and get it out -> thats also what I recommend, if they are corroded. I don`t think that the water pump likes it, if some wire pieces go through.