Water distributer tube

[Gunnar Gallis]

I am having trouble with my 1945 Dodge truck. It is constantly overheating, boiling even whitout any load. Is the water distributer tube necessary for cooling the engine properly, or should i look for the answer elsewhere?
I just cleaned the block for rust, but I am not able to enter the distributer tube all the way inn.
What is the best way to clean the radiator? Can the radiator be open and still not be cooling properly?
I am desperate, have worked on this truck on and off for 12 years, at last finished, but unable to use it due to overheating.
Gunnar

[acton mike]

a couple of things come to mind, given that the truck is older than I am

I am presuming you have a flat head, either straight 6 or V8

late ignition timing can cause overheating

have you done a cooling system pressure test or a cylinder leak-down test to be sure that you do not have combustion gases getting into the water jackets - that will cause overheating even at idle

If you have concerns about the rad, a rad shop can clean it out; we used to call it boiling out. Mind you, if the rad is questionable, boiling out will probably finish it off.

On the other hand, if the rad is that shaky, it is time for a re-core or a new rad if the tanks are shot as well

can you remove the "water distribution tube" from the vehicle? if so, perhaps you could get it cleaned out at a rad shop