water dist tube tool

[Doc Dave]

While I was in Iowa this June at the rally, I attended a shop session at VPW. The speaker, Mike Fleig, showed a simple tool to aid in getting the water dist tube out. I had been trying to get the one out on mine to no avail, I had tried vice grips, a large screwdriver, etc. Well, after I saw this demo I had a friend make up the tool, then I went down to the Autozone and borrowed a slide hammer. Well the tube came out so easy I could hardly believe it...two taps on the slide hammer and it slid out.

It was gratifying to see something so simple work so well

[Gordon Maney]

Some of the tubes that have been in for a long time are hard to remove. I have talked to several automotive machinists that made up special attachments for their slide hammers.

The reason is that if you hook in one hole and pull, and the tube is rotten, you can tear the hole and not move the tube. Then you move to the next hole and have the same problem. If you tear all the holes, then you are in big trouble.

What they discover is that if you make an attachment that grabs several holes, the more the better, you have a much better chance of getting the tube out.

[Denis]

Water Tubes

Are the hole spaced the same in all Dodge flat head water tubes or is a different tube needed for the specific tube you are pulling??

[Gordon Maney]

I assume all 230 tubes would be the same, but they could be different from other flathead 6 Chrysler engines of different lengths.

[Warren Watt]

Water Dist. Tube Tool

Hi Doc Dave,
Can you give an accurate description or post a picture of the tool that pulls the water tube out? I have the use of a slide hammer. How does the tool grab the tube? Any advice you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks.
Warren

[Doc Dave]

Warren,
My folks live in Tysons Corner. I went to H.S. in Arlington, so we are not too far apart. I live about 65 miles s.e. of D.C. now.

My digital camera is in the shop, so I will describe the tool.

I used 16 gauge sheet metal I bought at Lowes. On the end of it (perpendicular to the center of the nut) I welded on an appropriate nut that could thread onto the slide hammer. The nut was slotted a little to "let in" the sheet metal to allow a better weld.

The metal strip itself is about 3/4 " wide by 17 1/2 " long (total). On the end that goes in the dist tube there is an intergal "hook" that goes 3/8" "down" and is 5/8" "long" . This hook is what hooks into the hole in the water dist tube, which is a slot of similar size.

Keeping in mind what Gordon said you could add other "hooks" along the tool, as long as you had a new one to pattern it after and get it exactly right. The simple one I had is not as strong but more "flexible" as you can use it in various slots in the tube.

I hope to get my camera back by Sep 1, so if you still need a picture let me know again.

After I finish my civilian PW my next one will be an M-37.

[Warren Watt]

Water dist tube

Thanks Doc Dave, Glad to hear that another Dodger is nearby. I will keep you posted on the tube removal process. Send the forum a picture of your PW when you get a chance. I'd love to see it.

[Warren Watt]

Water Distribution Tube

OK - I was able to extract the tube using the most rudimentry tool I could make. The tube came out in 2 major pieces and a few small ones. I will try to post a pic soon. Thanks for the good advice Doc Dave.

[Doc Dave]

Warren,
Glad you got it out. I got my camera back last month, so I can start to post pics again.
I am not doing much now with my truck because of other commitments. I think in the spring though I am going to really get on it. hope to have a bigger compressor and a HVLP gun by then, as well as a welder.
Dave

[Warren Watt]

Water DISTRIBUTION TOOL

D.Dave,
Looking forward to the pictures. I MUST enter the digital age soon so I can participate.
I understand about other commitments and priorities. exactly the reason my M37 has sat still for so long.
Your garage plans sound good. Thanks again.