Wrong water tube bushing?

**STV_Keith** · 07-22-2019, 03:34 PM

I'm putting together my mid and bought the 88397 water tube bushing for a 1-piece 2.5 adapter, 3/4" water tube. The hole in the adapter is .878" deep. The bushing is only .750" long, so it doesn't protrude. This means the hold down doesn't even touch it, so it doesn't work.

Looking through Merc Parts Express, I don't see another number. What am I missing?

**mach351** · 07-22-2019, 04:07 PM

Part number 38970 maybe?

thats the only other one I can find, but I can’t even tell you it’s dimensions.

**mach351** · 07-22-2019, 04:10 PM

38970 might be for the 1/2 tube I’m not sure. Could your plate be one of those weird 1/2” one piece plates of a ss promax? Just throwing ideas

**STV_Keith** · 07-22-2019, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by mach351

38970 might be for the 1/2 tube I’m not sure. Could your plate be one of those weird 1/2” one piece plates of a ss promax? Just throwing ideas

This one came from a drag and is 3/4" for sure.

**timmc6** · 07-22-2019, 05:30 PM

George Fuller posted on another forum that the water pump bushing is the same part.which I did not know.Good luck

**STV_Keith** · 07-22-2019, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by timmc6

George Fuller posted on another forum that the water pump bushing is the same part.which I did not know.Good luck

Merc Parts Express catalog shows the same part number, as you mentioned, but it is the one I bought already, that is too short.

**STV_Keith** · 07-23-2019, 06:53 PM

Anyone else have anything to add?

**HStream1** · 07-24-2019, 05:23 AM

You have the correct PT#26-88397!! The retainer is just that a retainer, not a Hold down. it only keeps the Seal from coming out. Assemble it youre good to Go.

**STV_Keith** · 07-24-2019, 12:53 PM

Thanks HStream1, that does make sense. This is the first new one I've put into a clean/stripped adapter. The other ones I've messed with all seemed to be longer than the hole was deep, and then the clamp squished the rubber into the hole and around the tube, so the tube was pretty well fixed in place.

Seems like the tube is quite loose in this one...is that normal?

**HStream1** · 07-25-2019, 05:02 AM

Its hard to tell not being able to actually see it. But as long as the tube stays in place when inverted you should be good to go. Not knowing how the Adapter got stripped/cleaned?? Could some metal have been removed? Especially if it was Blasted.

Originally Posted by STV_Keith

Seems like the tube is quite loose in this one...is that normal?

**STV_Keith** · 07-25-2019, 08:53 AM

Adapter was bead blasted before being powder coated. I did dig the old bushing out of the bin and it is the same size, so I guess it's right. With the hold down in place, the water tube will swing a big when the adapter is shaken, but does not fall out. Thanks for verifying for me HStream1!

**Capt.Insane-o** · 07-26-2019, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by STV_Keith

I'm putting together my mid and bought the 88397 water tube bushing for a 1-piece 2.5 adapter, 3/4" water tube. The hole in the adapter is .878" deep. The bushing is only .750" long, so it doesn't protrude. This means the hold down doesn't even touch it, so it doesn't work.

Looking through Merc Parts Express, I don't see another number. What am I missing?

Man that thing is rough looking where the bushing fits...saltwater = bad.

**rochelle howell** · 07-26-2019, 10:44 PM

Anybody else see what appears to be a crack in the second picture when enlarged? Both sides of water tube hole, both sides threaded hole, and inside the large hole to the left of the threaded hole?

**Beak Boater** · 07-27-2019, 08:41 AM

Hard to tell from that picture, but it does appear to be a crack.

**STV_Keith** · 07-28-2019, 02:18 PM

Yup, does look like a crack. Guess you find all kinds of good stuff when you really clean these things. I'm thinking it's not in an area of concern though. Would hate to give up a freshly powdercoated 1-pc adapter. Here's a closer look.