Radiator/ water pump
 

I have a leak either in the water pump or the radiator. With the car running with one side of the hood open, I get spatter on the windshield and the firewall. I tried replacing the rope seal in the water pump. That did not do anything to stop the leak. I can't see any place in the radiator that is leaking. I have new radiator hoses that I still have to install.
Here's the question.
Has anyone ever used Bars Leaks or a similar radiator stop leak product in a Model A?
I've used it in modern cars with relative success.
Thoughts?
Thanks.

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

Someone put some Bars Leak into the radiator of my pickup, totally gummed up the tubes such that I had to find an "old school" radiator shop that knew how to work on brass radiators to rod it out. Keep in mind that Bars Leak works in part by the pressurized cooling system forcing the goo into small leaks, and you don't have a pressurized cooling system in a Model A.

JayJay

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

If you want to use a stop-leak use one that is in dry powder form like AlumaSeal.

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

I wonder if you could rig up a temporary shroud for the water pump, like the leather ones I see on some cars, that would block the fan draft and allow any leakage to collect there or drip down the block. Then you'd know which piece was leaking.

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

I don't think that you need to go the stop leak route just yet.
First off is your radiator cap gasket in good shape?
Are you by chance filling the radiator to the top (too full) and coolant is overflowing out the overflow tube and picked up by the air flow?

A dry paper towel is your friend here. Use it to dab around the hose fittings, water pump shaft, bushing and mating surface to the head.

If it is leaking from a hose, your water pump or elsewhere you should be able to find it with the paper towel or toilet tissue.

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

Good thought!
Thanks for the idea.

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

Two thoughts -
On the water pump, I’ve rebuilt a number of pumps with a new stainless steel shaft and modern o-ring seal that all the vendors sell - no more leak issues or fiddling with the original type seals that always eventually leak.

Radiator - I;ve gummed up more than one radiator as a teenager by using stop-leak products. a good radiator shop can clean and repair your radiator for less than a new one. In fact, I’m picking up an original A radiator from a local shop today....the cost will be $125.

Good luck - Jim

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

Disconnect the fan belt and run it. This eliminates the w/pump and if the rad is leaking you should be able to see it. Use a bright light.
Paul in CT

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

Re: Radiator/ water pump
 

I'm going to try the AlumaSeal first. If it fixes it, I'm good. If not, I'll keep looking.