side plate

[tomt]

The sideplate on my A4 had only 2 holes for cooling water to enter the block. One at cylinder #1, and one near cylinder #4. Is this an acceptable configuration? I keep reading about a three hole configuration, diverters, etc.
The engine runs cool, no overheating, it is an old style engine in a older Pearson Triton (#601).

[Don Moyer]

Early model (cast iron) side plates had a hole in the center of the two holes that you're describing. The holes were originally approximately 5/16" in diameter and two of them had sort of an upward direction to them and the third a downward orientation. As the side plates aged, most the holes became larger.

Assuming that your plate is in fairly good condition, I see no reason why you couldn't simply scribe a line between the two holes in your plate and drill a hole in the center. You'd probably get a bit better distribution of incoming cooling water. However, if the two end holes in your side plate have enlarged to 1/2" or so, I'd leave well enough alone.

Don