Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1947 Oldsmobile 68 Special, coolant water, coat hanger

Question
My Olds keeps overheating, new water pump,thermostate and had the radiator repaired. I was informed of a water distribution tube for the 8 cyl engine. I just recieved from Egge parts but have not a clue how to remove the old or install the new. If youcan think of any other reasons for this old turkey to overheat please let me know. I guess I should not call her an old turkey as I am older than she is, course it ain't the first time I've been called a turkey so don't much matter. Thank you for any help you can give. Brian

Answer
Hi Brian:
Well from one old turkey to another, here's the straight scoop, I hope. The water distribution tube is located behind the water pump and runs the length of the engine. It is supposed to direct coolant/water at the hot exhaust valve seats. it is made of sheet metal and had a tendency to rust out. When it rusted then heat would build up in the system and the engine would run hot and overheat. The process of replacing the tube is to remove the radiator and grille. Then the water pump. The old tube needs to be fished out and I use a bent coat hanger or similar stiff wire that you can bend a hook on the end. Once all of the old tube is removed then the new tube can be slid into place and the engine re assembled again. I have also found on some of these straight 6 or 8 cylinder engines that I have had to remove the freeze plugs on the side of the block and spoon out the accumulated crap that has settled in the block cavity. This prevented the coolant from reaching the lower end of the block and caused overheating. On these old cars a good layer of grease on the oil pan and lower part of the outside of the engine can contribute to overheating as 1/3rd of the cooling is from the surface of the block and oil pan.