Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Can someone please give me the best recommendation in regards to buying a new radiator for my 1930 Model A.

My vehicle overheats very quickly (after driving it about 20 minutes) no matter how I use the spark lever and gas. . .
I've put in a four bladed fan . . . did not work.
I changed the spark plugs and made sure they were gapped properly.
Timing seems to be okay.
I tightened the fan belt . . . did not work.
I added a temp gauge to keep an eye on the temperature.
I've looked in the "MAC" catalog, "Berts" catalog and Bratton and needless to say, there are a number of choices.

Looking for other advice.
Thanks in advance.
Semper Fidelis
Joe

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Try Snyder’s. I purchased one for my 1930 Tudor. Great quality and fix


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Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

have you ran a good flush through the system it may have 90 years of crap inside? A radiator shop may be able to help? Might be cheaper than a new radiator. You stated you added A temperature gauge what is it actually reading? Remember not to over fill the system as it will just push it out. Let it seek its happy point.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Bergs would be the way to go for a new radiator. But first another thougbt: is your radiator original? And also, are you positive that you have enough coolant?

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Radiators are expensive! In my opinion, Bergs is the best. Don't go cheap. Best quality and without having to modify, Bergs is the way to go.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Good starting advise. Also check out your water pump.
Semper Fi Brother:)

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Check to be sure your head gasket is not leaking air into the cooling system. Fill the radiator so you can see the coolant. Run the engine and check for bubbles coming up in the radiator. If you have this kind of leak even the best radiator is not going to solve your heating problem. Check the head to see if it has to be milled. It should not be over .002" out of being perfectly flat. Good luck and keep us posted.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Thank you DKnapp, I'll give that a try tomorrow.


JayVee34. I put a new radiator in a few years ago . . . but it wasn't a very good one. I have flushed the system. After 20 minutes it borders on the red line at 180 degrees. I haven't seen "steam" and I normally shut it down before it goes any higher. The fluid level is just barely over the fins so I think I'm good there. If I add too much it does pump out the bottom when I shut it down. I did put in a new pump. Thanks
Semper Fidelis
Joe

Ivan, would you go with a 2-row 10 fin or 2 -row 6 fin radiator? Is there much difference between "Pressurized" Radiators and just Radiators?

Chris, radiator is a replacement and coolant level is good.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

180 degrees is not too hot.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

What temperature would be considered too hot? Thanks

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

I would get Bergs 3 row 12 fin radiator. If you are willing to spend around 600 for decent radiator, then you might as well pay 825 for the best.

Also, 180 degrees isn't too hot. I get nervous after 190 to 200 degrees.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

I am very happy with my Bergs radiator. It is the atmospheric variety. The car never overheats even when I push it up a steep grade in summer.

I have a 160 degree thermostat but I drilled 6 holes in the flange so that I get some flow even with the thermostat closed. That seems to help the operation of the thermostat and more uniform temperature in the engine. With my heat gun I measured 170 degrees at the head and 200 degrees at the pan while the temperature gauge installed in the output neck measured 140. This was while driving at 45 on a level road in summer. The holes in the thermostat are 1/4 inch.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Jayvee34, friend request completed.
Semper Fidelis Marine

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Thank you Sir.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Thanks nkaminar, I'll look into the Berg radiator.. More to follow.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Bergs is the best on the market hands down.

But I would not spend a dime yet because i don't think you have a problem.

If you can get your car around 190 degrees whether going down the highway of in traffic that is a perfect temperature.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

I wonder would the Evans Cooling System work?? Just wondering hopefully some of the more "seasoned" experts can comment. FYI

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Water boils @ 212 degrees, 180 is considered normal, when it starts getting
200 and rising I would get concerned. If it is not steaming or blowing hot water out of the overflow or the cap and temp is below 200 I would not consider it to be running hot. OMHO and others.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

I may not be considered "seasoned" but I would not recommend the use of Evans.

Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
 

Here is a thread from fordbarn V8 forum for some information. Flatheads have unpressurised system like Model A.


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/printthread.php?t=196022

John