The Ford Barn

zoegrant · 01-28-2018, 04:36 PM

I would like to have my radiator flushed out profesionally and tested under pressure for any leaks.....because most shops do not deal with radiators this old I would like to tell the shop what the max pressure to use to test it with....
"what is the max pressure for this radiator ?"

Bored&Stroked · 01-28-2018, 04:40 PM

Well, the first thing to note is that a stock 36 radiator was designed to have NO pressure . . . so you really can't throw a lot at it.

I have no idea on the condition of your core - you may find that it needs to be re-cored after it is rodded out.

If the radiator is stock and you're going to convert it over to having a pressurized cap (requires that you seal up the original neck and add a new neck to the tank - usually under the hood), then I would probably not put more than 6 lbs of pressure during testing - and probably a max of 4 for everyday use.

ford38v8 · 01-28-2018, 05:07 PM

I'm reluctant to tell you a maximum because any pressure can cause a blowout at any time on any radiator, and particularly your '36, as it was not designed to hold pressure. That said, if it won't hold 4 lbs for a test, it will blow out on the road and leave you stuck anyway.

You can certainly order the work you describe, but consider also to have the radiator boiled out and tubes rodded out to eliminate blockage and provide maximum cooling. This will entail the removal of the top tank to perform the rod-out, after which it will be soldered back in place. If this is what you order done, go one step further and have the shop fabricate an inner support brace to be soldered inside the top tank. Have them also check the existing fill port to accept a pressure cap. This will allow the use of a pressurized cap without the danger of oil-canning the top tank as will happen with a pressure cap. You will also need to order a 3 lb overflow tube cap from Skip Haney for the system to then be pressurized at 3 lbs.

Oh, one more thing occurred to me: If you order a "flush-out & pressure test" from a shop not equipped to repair radiators, you will likely be informed that your radiator did not hold pressure and blew out. Modern shops have never seen a Copper/Brass radiator and only replace Aluminum/Plastic radiators because they are not repairable. It is not uncommon these days to drive a hundred miles to find a good radiator shop.

Pat/Ohio · 01-29-2018, 08:39 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Contact Steve Powell at Powell Radiator Shop in Wilmington, OH. He can fix you up. He specializes in antique radiators. He advertises in Hemmings and other pubs. His phone number is: 937-382-2096. He may have a '36 radiator sitting around? Good luck, Pat

01-28-2018, 04:36 PM	#1
zoegrant Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tolland CT Posts: 773	Radiator repair on a 36 coupe I would like to have my radiator flushed out profesionally and tested under pressure for any leaks.....because most shops do not deal with radiators this old I would like to tell the shop what the max pressure to use to test it with.... "what is the max pressure for this radiator ?"

01-28-2018, 04:40 PM	#2
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,723	Re: Radiator repair on a 36 coupe Well, the first thing to note is that a stock 36 radiator was designed to have NO pressure . . . so you really can't throw a lot at it. I have no idea on the condition of your core - you may find that it needs to be re-cored after it is rodded out. If the radiator is stock and you're going to convert it over to having a pressurized cap (requires that you seal up the original neck and add a new neck to the tank - usually under the hood), then I would probably not put more than 6 lbs of pressure during testing - and probably a max of 4 for everyday use.

01-28-2018, 05:07 PM	#3
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7,285	Re: Radiator repair on a 36 coupe I'm reluctant to tell you a maximum because any pressure can cause a blowout at any time on any radiator, and particularly your '36, as it was not designed to hold pressure. That said, if it won't hold 4 lbs for a test, it will blow out on the road and leave you stuck anyway. You can certainly order the work you describe, but consider also to have the radiator boiled out and tubes rodded out to eliminate blockage and provide maximum cooling. This will entail the removal of the top tank to perform the rod-out, after which it will be soldered back in place. If this is what you order done, go one step further and have the shop fabricate an inner support brace to be soldered inside the top tank. Have them also check the existing fill port to accept a pressure cap. This will allow the use of a pressurized cap without the danger of oil-canning the top tank as will happen with a pressure cap. You will also need to order a 3 lb overflow tube cap from Skip Haney for the system to then be pressurized at 3 lbs. Oh, one more thing occurred to me: If you order a "flush-out & pressure test" from a shop not equipped to repair radiators, you will likely be informed that your radiator did not hold pressure and blew out. Modern shops have never seen a Copper/Brass radiator and only replace Aluminum/Plastic radiators because they are not repairable. It is not uncommon these days to drive a hundred miles to find a good radiator shop. __________________ Alan

01-29-2018, 08:39 AM	#4
Pat/Ohio Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wilmington, OH/Lakeland, FL Posts: 988	Re: Radiator repair on a 36 coupe Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Contact Steve Powell at Powell Radiator Shop in Wilmington, OH. He can fix you up. He specializes in antique radiators. He advertises in Hemmings and other pubs. His phone number is: 937-382-2096. He may have a '36 radiator sitting around? Good luck, Pat