Drop a roofing nail
 

I keep reading about dropping a roofing nail in the overflow tube, I have a gurgling problem at times. Where is the original post about it with some details.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

I don't know where the original post is but it sure works.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

So what exactly do I do. Make sure the nail can not pop all the way out with cap on? How high should overflow tube be?

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

The service bulletins have a diagram of the correct position of the overflow.
Bob

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

The overflow problem is caused by the in-correct positioning of the over flow tube.

My radiator was overflowing 50 years ago and since I followed the service bulletin it has not lost any water since then ...even when driving at 65 MPH for several hours.


The 1930 service bulletin for fixing the overflow problem is on Page 450 of the Service Bulletins.


This bulletin stops the overflow and makes the roofing nail un-necessary.

You can use the nail at your own risk but if the radiator ever boils over the radiator can be split open or the tubes may split ... where ever the weakest place is in your radiator.

Additional info:

See post #8

When the pressure gets high enough the nail is held down by the pressure and then the nail stops "Dancing" and no steam can escape and the radiator quickly bursts.

I predict that some one will use the nail and post asking why their radiator has burst.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

Bill Williamson is the one that I have seen suggesting the nail trick. I have seen posts where it was successful. Mine continued to overflow even with the nail. My radiator doesn't have a baffle, which I believe is the main issue that I had. I extended the overflow tube to just under the radiator cap and added a thermostat and have not had any overflow issues since. I think the main concern would be determine if you are overheating and boiling out water or just have an overflow issue like mine. You should be able to find several post by Bill with this suggestion and other comments related to the subject.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

For those un-familiar with the fix and reading these threads:

This is exactly what the 450 bulletin says to fix the problem in 1930 except there is no mention of using a thermostat.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

THE NAIL WON'T PRESSURISE THE SYSTEM, IT JUST SITS THERE, "DANCING" AROUND & PREVENTING "SPLASH OVER", INTO THE TUBE.
It's an OOOOOLD time "fix".
Bill W.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

I have been expeirmenting with GAV and timing. I picked up a sink gastet (Rubber) to use in my cap to make it seal alittle better, and running a richer fuel mixer I was able to sustain 45 mph with no water loss and even pushed her above 50 for a while. When I stopped there was nothing coming from the overflow. I think Fuel + timing + better seal = had done the trick. thanks for the help.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

NAW !
Look in your filler & rev it up to about 1800 RPM & you'll be AMAZED at the flow, no wonder water splashes over the overflow & gets low, a little bit at a time.
I, personally, "feel" that most overheating is caused by either low on water or rust flakes stuck in the top of radiator tubes! RUST FLAKES WILL NEVER BE ELIMINATED, JUST CONTROLLED:D
IF you have a temp gauge & at road speed, the temp cycles up & down, at regular intervals, YOU'RE LOW ON WATER !
RUST FLAKES are a common condition, JUST BACKFLUSH IT, at least once a year !!!
Bill W.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

Thanks Bill.

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

Re: Drop a roofing nail
 

When poor & couldn't afford thermostats, used BIG FLAT WASHERS on Flathead V-8's, to slow down the flow.
Does anyone remember those BROWN thermostats that spliced into the top hose & had an adjustable knob that adjusted it from 160 to 180 degrees?
Bill W.