The Ford Barn

Mshaynes21 · 07-08-2025, 08:29 PM

I noticed some coolant under my 30 A Roadster. I thought I might need to add some coolant in but as I was pouring it in it was coming out the overflow tube onto the ground. Does this mean the radiator was already too full? It was really hot today outside but the car hasn’t been running.
Thanks for any info!

JayJay · 07-08-2025, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mshaynes21

I noticed some coolant under my 30 A Roadster. I thought I might need to add some coolant in but as I was pouring it in it was coming out the overflow tube onto the ground. Does this mean the radiator was already too full? It was really hot today outside but the car hasn’t been running.
Thanks for any info!

Maybe. On a Model A it’s pretty easy to pour coolant into the top of the copper overflow tube when you fill at the neck. Suggest that you carefully fill the radiator until it is just above the splash apron visible through the neck, close it up and drive it. The coolant will seek its own desired level and stabilize. After that, look for leaks on the ground.

nkaminar · 07-09-2025, 03:22 AM

When I fill my radiator after draining it for some work on the engine, I use a funnel. That eliminates the coolant from hitting the overflow tube and keeps me from spilling it over my hood and radiator.

Bob Bidonde · 07-09-2025, 06:10 AM

This slide may help you.

brokenspoke · 07-09-2025, 06:55 AM

Put a roofing nail in the overflow tube

nkaminar · 07-09-2025, 07:28 AM

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There was a service notice to bend the overflow pipe towards the front of the radiator to prevent excessive coolant loss. Just be careful to bend it gently and in a generous radius. The service notice is on page 450 of the Service Bulletins.

Big hammer · 07-09-2025, 08:03 AM

WOW time flies , 55 years ago I chased my tail around looking for a reason why my A was over heating in the summer. Removed radiator and had it cleaned and repaired, removed and rebuilt the water pump, cleaned the block with a long cable poking around the rear cylinders, etc. I finally figured out letting it find its happy place just at the baffle, walla no more over heating ( overflowing) ! Wished we had the internet, I could have been having fun getting into trouble :-)

chap52 · 07-09-2025, 08:48 AM

What Big Hammer said. Chap

07-08-2025, 08:29 PM	#1
Mshaynes21 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 19	Coolant question I noticed some coolant under my 30 A Roadster. I thought I might need to add some coolant in but as I was pouring it in it was coming out the overflow tube onto the ground. Does this mean the radiator was already too full? It was really hot today outside but the car hasn’t been running. Thanks for any info!

07-09-2025, 03:22 AM	#3
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,854	Re: Coolant question When I fill my radiator after draining it for some work on the engine, I use a funnel. That eliminates the coolant from hitting the overflow tube and keeps me from spilling it over my hood and radiator. __________________ 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.

07-09-2025, 06:55 AM	#5
brokenspoke Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Anderson, Texas Posts: 287	Re: Coolant question Put a roofing nail in the overflow tube

07-09-2025, 07:28 AM	#6
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,854	Re: Coolant question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) There was a service notice to bend the overflow pipe towards the front of the radiator to prevent excessive coolant loss. Just be careful to bend it gently and in a generous radius. The service notice is on page 450 of the Service Bulletins. __________________ 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.

07-09-2025, 08:03 AM	#7
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,430	Re: Coolant question WOW time flies , 55 years ago I chased my tail around looking for a reason why my A was over heating in the summer. Removed radiator and had it cleaned and repaired, removed and rebuilt the water pump, cleaned the block with a long cable poking around the rear cylinders, etc. I finally figured out letting it find its happy place just at the baffle, walla no more over heating ( overflowing) ! Wished we had the internet, I could have been having fun getting into trouble :-) __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

07-09-2025, 08:48 AM	#8
chap52 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Marana Arizona Posts: 1,829	Re: Coolant question What Big Hammer said. Chap