The Ford Barn

spinelll · 08-03-2025, 07:46 AM

I took some infrared measurements yesterday after a short drive and while idling.
Coolant - 185
Tank top - 185
Tank bottom - 175
Return pipe - 175
Block - 185

I also noticed foam while idling (attached). It disappeared shortly after shutting down.

I'm gonna take the radiator to a shop. Are the Les Andrews steps to remove a radiator accurate?

Thanks
Leo

Ordsgt · 08-03-2025, 08:25 AM

Before you remove the radiator I would do a compression check on all cylinders. That "foam" may be indicative of a head gasket leak.

nkaminar · 08-03-2025, 09:03 AM

Foam does not cool very well and may be the cause of your higher than normal temperatures. There are various things that can go in the radiator that will generate foam. Some antifreeze solutions can foam.

Drain the radiator and engine block. Add fresh water and run the car for a few miles. Drain again and repeat the rinse until there is no sign of any additions to the the water.

Drain a final time and add 50/50 antifreeze/water pre-mixed mixture up to the level of the baffle in the bottom of the top tank in the radiator. Get the antifreeze mixture that is recommended for older cars. It is usually green. See if this cures the foaming problem.

Big hammer · 08-03-2025, 09:09 AM

Some antifreeze will foam ! Drain it out , fill with water, repeat your test

Richard Knight · 08-03-2025, 09:10 AM

If your radiator is only dropping the temp of the water 10 degrees it is not working. There should be a drop of 20-30 degrees. Measure the temp of the cylinders below the water jacket. Also the top of the head on the number 4 cylinder. The compression test will tell you if you have a leaky head gasket.

katy · 08-03-2025, 09:32 AM

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Are you running a thermostat?

spinelll · 08-03-2025, 09:34 AM

This is what I've been using for a few years.

TMarsh · 08-03-2025, 11:59 AM

I agree with posts 3 and 4, happened to me. I like green Prestone, yellow jug 50/50

spinelll · 08-04-2025, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

Are you running a thermostat?

I am not.

08-03-2025, 08:25 AM	#2
Ordsgt Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Yorktown Virginia Posts: 246	Re: Coolant Temp Saga Before you remove the radiator I would do a compression check on all cylinders. That "foam" may be indicative of a head gasket leak.

08-03-2025, 09:03 AM	#3
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,863	Re: Coolant Temp Saga Foam does not cool very well and may be the cause of your higher than normal temperatures. There are various things that can go in the radiator that will generate foam. Some antifreeze solutions can foam. Drain the radiator and engine block. Add fresh water and run the car for a few miles. Drain again and repeat the rinse until there is no sign of any additions to the the water. Drain a final time and add 50/50 antifreeze/water pre-mixed mixture up to the level of the baffle in the bottom of the top tank in the radiator. Get the antifreeze mixture that is recommended for older cars. It is usually green. See if this cures the foaming problem. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 08-03-2025 at 09:10 AM.

08-03-2025, 09:09 AM	#4
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,430	Re: Coolant Temp Saga Some antifreeze will foam ! Drain it out , fill with water, repeat your test __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

08-03-2025, 09:10 AM	#5
Richard Knight Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 243	Re: Coolant Temp Saga If your radiator is only dropping the temp of the water 10 degrees it is not working. There should be a drop of 20-30 degrees. Measure the temp of the cylinders below the water jacket. Also the top of the head on the number 4 cylinder. The compression test will tell you if you have a leaky head gasket.

08-03-2025, 09:32 AM	#6
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,715	Re: Coolant Temp Saga Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Are you running a thermostat? __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

08-03-2025, 11:59 AM	#8
TMarsh Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: N.E. Texas Posts: 154	Re: Coolant Temp Saga I agree with posts 3 and 4, happened to me. I like green Prestone, yellow jug 50/50