Overheasting

[alhansen]

My '31 has had an overheating problem as long as I've owned it....before and after I converted to 12v and electronic ignition. Its got a C head as well. Had the radiator cleaned/ rodded out. I wondered if timing could be a problem so I installed a timing indicator and marked the flywheel pulley so I could check with a timing light. At low Idle ignition is about 18 degrees ATDC. With higher RPM it goes to about 8 BTDC. Probably not looking in the right places but I cant find anywhere the proper numbers. Appreciate any guidance!

[Art Newland]

That seems like retarded timing which can certainly cause overheating. Better contact your ignition manufacturer and see what they think. Does it seem low on power?

[alhansen]

Thanks Art...I would have thought too advanced would cause overheating more likely but perhaps either will do it. Car starts and seems to run great and also have as much power as I would expect from a 40 HP engine. Will do as you suggest and call ignition manufacturer.

[Art Newland]

Normal A timing is set at TDC with lever set at full retarded position.

[Hicktick]

Sounds like time to buy you a new radiator or have it recored .
Not many radiator shops actually Rod out a radiator properly . If you have always had an overheating problem , , buy you a new radiator .


,.,.

,

[Tom Wesenberg]

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I think your timing is too late. It should be 0 degrees with the handle full up for starting.

With the C head it should be about 15* for idle, and in the 20's for driving.
With my stock head I set it 20* for idle and 30* max for driving.

[TerryH]

You didn't mention your carburetor; too lean will also make it run hot.

[Bruce Adams]

Pick up a $30 infra red thermometer at Harbor Freight and SHOOT the radiator when warmed up to see if there are any COLD SPOTS which would indicate clogs in the radiator. There should be a consistent drop in temp from top to bottom. If clogged you might have to purchase a new radiator since you have already went through the rodding fix.

[Mitch//pa]

From what u posted your timing is way off. Fix this first

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

The most COMMON cause of overheating is rust flakes stuck in the upper end of the radiator tubes. BACK FLUSH IT.
Bill Cool

[Big hammer]

Just a thought model B timing cover would cause the timing to be off? I've heard about it but can't remember which way was what. With timing off that far can't believe it will start let alone run.

[SteveB31]

It has been my observation that 90% of all overheating problems in Model A's is a radiator not dissipating heat efficiently.

[denniskliesen]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I think your timing is too late. It should be 0 degrees with the handle full up for starting.

With the C head it should be about 15* for idle, and in the 20's for driving.
With my stock head I set it 20* for idle and 30* max for driving.

Tom, why is that? Compression? I noticed mine doesn't run any better pulled 3/4 of the way down than 1/3 down. 6:1 ratio 100lbs. compression in all 4 cylinders.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Higher compression burns faster, so it needs less spark advance. My engine has 50 PSI on all 4.

[colin1928]

Ford spec for a C model head idle 18 deg BTDC - 34 BTDC deg total

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

From what u posted your timing is way off. Fix this first

Plus 1

[rocket1]

I have a Stude. that ran hot for years even after the radiator was so called cleaned,tried everything else and finally replaced the radiator in desperation,that solved the problem.