1954 Pontiac straight 8

[MOEMAN]

I took off the water pump and there is a piece of copper or brass in the water port, the manual has nothing about it. Can anyone tell me what it is for and if is needed. I am also looking for a power antenna 6 volt.

[Larry]

First, sorry to take so long responding. I don't know how long Pontiac used the water distribution tube that extended back into the engine. I don't have a '54 book anymore (gave to x-brother-in-law when he bought my last '54 Star Chief).

A lot of times these rotted away and people only found bits and pieces of undistinguishable metal in their cooling system when they removed the water pump. It should show up in a manual though if your '54 still had one of these. It's been so long since I took a '54 straight eight apart, and I can't even remember what I had for breakfast.... did I remember to have breakfast? Oh, well.....

Good news on the straight eight front! We are getting a straight eight Technical Advisor in just a bit. We are setting it up now.

[superted]

Hi i have seen a article in an 60's motors book it states that the tube squirts water on the valvegide part of the head stopping over heating wll try to add the page ted

[Larry]

Thanks for posting the page showing the cooling of the exhaust seats. I checked and all the L-heads (flatheads) had the tube. They are pretty common if you still need one. Check with California Pontiac Restorations (CPR). They should have one. They are also one of our Affiliate Commercial Supplies who give our members a 10% discount... very good people!

By the way, if you ever have a valve job and reseating done on the straight-8, be ready to have the machinist start grumbling. Those are some of the hardest seats you will ever find.