Something different about my 39 engine

[joeceretti]

I have engines from a 38 Lasalle 50 Series 322cid and an engine from a 38 Cadillac Sixty Special 346cid. I just purchased an engine from a 39 Sixty Special 346cid. There is a tube coming out the bottom of the engine on the very rear right side of the 39 engine. Neither of my 38 engines have this nor the space on the casting for it.

Is it a crankcase vent?

As a side note, somehow I have suddenly become an engine collector. I could setup my own tank now. Good thing I haven't seen one for sale here.

[Cooke]

Joe,
I believe that's a draft tube, seems after 38 they went back to a draft tube instead of the 38 set up with the intake manifold and air filter box crankcase vent that all the 38s had for crankcase venting. I would guess that the draft tube worked better so they went back to it. I would really like to know if that is the reason.

[joeceretti]

Thanks! Yes you are correct. Road draft tube. When I eventually use this engine I hope it isn't a dripper.