Black plastic tubes

[Frank Acampora]

The question has come up a couple of times about where these tubes belong. So, I was assembling an engine and thought I would post these photos.

These tubes are held in two holes inside the midleg. Their purpose is to maintain the water level at the height of the idle relief. They are held in place by a stainless clip.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Black plastic tubes

I was one of those who asked about this before, I still have them but I guess there's no way to install them back without having to drop the lower and mid leg, huh? With both tubes out what effect is this to the engine or the idle exhaust vents?

Thanks.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Black plastic tubes

Practically speaking, since there is no way to re-install them without removing the powerhead you may as well leave them out. A little less water will exit the idle relief during running but this water has already cooled the engine. The outer shroud may get a little hotter to the touch but certainly not hot enough to burn. SO: Don't worry about them.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Black plastic tubes

Thanks. Maybe when the time comes to replace the exhaust gasket,then I'll replace them.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Black plastic tubes

Last motor that I rebuilt had the plastic tubes, but the end that snapped into the holes were broken (brittle from age). I took a pipe tap, can't remember the size, but it was a standard size and it fit the holes in the lower end perfectly. I tapped the holes and took a piece of copper pipe (1/2 inch I think) and put a threaded pipe end on it, cut it to the right length and just screwed it into the holes.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Black plastic tubes

That's a great innovation. Cheap and designed to last virtually forever. Actually one of the pipes that came off my engine had some of the slotted end broken off also. I'll have to adopt your innovation for it sure is a better option. Thanks.