Gentleman, How do I remove the draft tube from my 1956 Mercury 312? Its dripping oil and I want to clean it out.(I put in a new filter) It looks like it is just pressed in. Someone over filled my transmission and I want to drain out some fluid. Where is the drain plug? Where can I purchase a new gas tank? Mine is leaking.

The Draft Tube is bolted to the Block with 2 Machine Screws or Bolts.Accessible when You remove the Can. You may have to clean up crud to get to the Retainers. There is no Drain Plug on the Transmission as such. You can drain some Fluid using the Drain Plugs on the Torque Converter  by removing the Inspection Cover and turn the Engine until the Plug is at the Bottom OR You can unscrew the Filler Pipe from the side of the Pan..Hard to control the amount of Fluid that drains.Gas Tank try Macs antique Auto Parts as well as most Sellers who sell Parts for Vintage Ford.  

  

The Draft tube assembly has a drain back pipe inside at the back. It's likely plugged, causing your leakage. However, while your at it, the oil filler cap also has a filter screen in it, and they are often plugged with dirt & oil residue, preventing the crankcase ventilation from working properly. Clean it thoroughly or if it's in real bad shape, replace it..


Paul

If every thing is working correctly as you drive the draft tube causes a suction from the engine to remove vapors(blow by) from the engine by drawing air threw the filler cap filter. This is one reason to have the correct one.
If you are draining the trans by removing the pan it many be a good time to adjust the bands. One can be done by removing the body plug on the trans tunnel under the carpet and the other with the pan removed. The correct tools make it easy but it can be done without them. I bought mine off e-bay. Good luck.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Check Auto City Classics in Minneaota for the gas tank.

MplsMike
'56 Parklane
Minneapolis, MN