The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rocker oil tube 216.

The copper rocker oil tube on my 49 216 is broken right at the block fitting. This is the tube that is behind the pushrod cover that goes from the block through the head, then to the rocker assy. I tried to remove the block fitting, but did not have any sucess. Then I tried to remove larger block fiting, and I discovered that this tube must go through the water jacket. How do I replace this tube? anybody done this before and have any suggestions. Can I make up a new tube, if not where can I get one? I checked Chevy Duty and others, but did not see any type of replacement.
I hope that all makes sense.

On a good note. I got the truck running. It had been sitting for 25 years. Just needed a good cleaning and a fuel pump and a carb kit. Now I am in the process of replacing all the gaskets.

Thanks
Brian

Tricky little tube that one Brian , there is quite a good pic of it in one of the shop manuals .
You will have to replace the whole tube , from the oil distributor , right up to the rocker , in one piece.
Maybe your local store will have a piece of tube you can make one from , salvage your old fittings as these are hard to replace.

Jim Carter sells that piece.

Copper gets brittle from engine heat over time. Fortunately, its not hard to replace. Take off the pushrod cover and you'll see how it bends around the pushrods, goes through the engine to the driver side, then bends in a loop to connect to the oil distributor. The replacement kits are basically a length of copper with new fittings.

First push it through from pushrod side to distributor side. Bend it up and connect it to distributor. Then bend pushrod side - be sure to clear pushrods. Bend into rockers trim and connect.

I'm not sure about 49, but earlier pushrod covers even have a small buldge where the bend into the engine goes. Goal is no kinks.

Jim

There is a good instruction on this. i have it at home on my computer and I will try and look it up tonight.

That is some kind of record, 25 years. i would sure like to hear more about starting an engine after all that time. CONGRATULATIONS.

I ditched mine altogether. Ran a steel tube from the oil distributor to a rubber section that passes through the valve cover to the rocker oiler. Plugged the holes through the water jacket with pipe plugs.

I drilled a hole through the valve cover and used a grommet where the hose goes through. Used a rubber line rated for oil/gas.

Did this eight years ago and no problems to date.

Thanks for the replies guys. Truckernix i got your PDF...thanks alot. I am in the process or replacing all of the gaskets I can now anyway.

And the story goes...
THis truck was my great-aunts, and she used it for a ranch truck. It last ran in 1980. The brakes went out, and it was parked under an oak tree at her ranch since then. I have been trying to aquire it from her for a while but she never would sell it "Im going to fix it SOMEDAY" she said. She died 2 years ago, and the truck sat there untouched. Her kids still didnt want to get rid of it. Well they decided to sell her ranch, and about 1 week before the sale closed I inquired about the truck again. THey told me if I could get it out of there I could have it!!!

I took my compressor out there, and all 4 tires aired up after sitting for 20+ years (3 of the tires are still holding air for about 3 months now!!) Trailered it home, but the engine was seized. The rings were rusted to the cyl. walls. So after lots of oil, tranny fluid, diesel, and finally some PB Blaster it freed up (2 weeks worth). I cleaned everything up that I could and made a few adjustments. I slapped a carb kit in, and added a fuel pump. SHE FIRED RIGHT UP!!!! and it actually runs pretty good. Leaks like hell, but I ordered a set of gaskets yesturday.

That is the official story.

I just want to say this is a great site, and will be here with lots of problems to come...Thanks in advance!

Later,
Brian

Thanks for the story, I really enjoyed that. There is nothing like the thrill of reviving old abandoned trucks and to think that you probably saved it from the crusher.

Brian, you have a good truck story there. I love to hear about the old ranch trucks and farm trucks that have stories to tell.

Mason is about far enough west of Jarrell to make a good "day trip" in a stovebolt. Maybe we can plan a get together sometime--Llano or Burnet?

Have you seen the thread on the Decatur swap meet? Sure would be a good time to join in and meet some of the rest of the stovebolters in the middle of God's country.

Sounds good, but I have to take a rain check on that for a while. Just now getting the motor up and running. Then I have to rewire the whole thing. Lots more work ahead before she is "roadworthy". My old International Scout would probably enjoy the ride though.

Thanks again,
Brian