Coolant level

[chris_m78]

Where should the coolant level be? I'm getting dads 29 tudor out that hasn't ran in 3 years and it looks a little low to me, and dad can't remember where it needs to run at. Thanks

[Big hammer]

Below the baffle,otherwise it will seek its own level.

[Utopia Texas]

Slightly above the baffle. If the level is below the baffle you cannot see the level and do not know if it is one inch low or completely empty.....

[Mitch//pa]

Right at the baffle so you see a smidgent on top

[C26Pinelake]

Put it slightly above the baffle and let it seek its own level. Wayne

[Rob Needs]

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OK we've got below the baffle, above the baffle, right on the baffle so far, how about right to the top.��

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by Rob Needs

OK we've got below the baffle, above the baffle, right on the baffle so far, how about right to the top.��

Helpful advice, isn't it? Actually, they are all correct, to a point.

I just helped a new Model A owner with this very question this morning.

He is lucky. He has a second hole in his baffle (in addition to the one that the overflow tube comes up through). So I was able to show him where his coolant level was through that hole.

When the engine is hot and running at an idle, coolant should be just at or over the baffle, but not by too much. A little bit under the baffle will not hurt anything, as long as you can see coolant.

It is really hard to get the level right when the engine is cold, if you can't see under the baffle.

If you overfill the radiator, it will puke the excess out when it is hot and you are running down the road. Don't panic when it does. And don't "top it back up" or it will just do it again the next time you drive. This is the system "seeking it's own level". Now, if it boils over vigorously, you have a radiator problem.

If you can't see any coolant at all when the engine is hot and running, add a little more until you just can. This is when hot.

Hope that helps.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I just put in new antifreeze this afternoon. 10 quarts is just right, and just puts it barely over the front edge of the baffle. This is with my 1928 and the original radiator.

[Dino's A]

Don't use tap water. Use distilled. Tap water has too much calcium or any other minerals so you don't want any of that stuff but clean, clear water + antifreeze. 50/50 mix should do it.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Drop a roofing nail in the overflow, helps water loss, from "splash over"---The water REALLY churns in there, when cruising! Rev it up & you'll be SURPRISED!
Bill Nail

[Mike V. Florida]

Fill it up. Drive it for a couple hundred miles. Measure the amount of water you need to add should be about a quart or so max if nothing is wrong. Drive for a couple hundred miles measure the amount you need to add. Is the same don't worry. Most A's will find it's own water level due to condition of radiator, water pump, driving conditions, etc.
Only if you have to add more then a quart or so or if the amount you need to add is way different then what you used first should you have to worry.