Radiator/ water pump

[Neshkoro]

I have a leak either in the water pump or the radiator. With the car running with one side of the hood open, I get spatter on the windshield and the firewall. I tried replacing the rope seal in the water pump. That did not do anything to stop the leak. I can't see any place in the radiator that is leaking. I have new radiator hoses that I still have to install.
Here's the question.
Has anyone ever used Bars Leaks or a similar radiator stop leak product in a Model A?
I've used it in modern cars with relative success.
Thoughts?
Thanks.

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Neshkoro

I have a leak either in the water pump or the radiator. With the car running with one side of the hood open, I get spatter on the windshield and the firewall. I tried replacing the rope seal in the water pump. That did not do anything to stop the leak. I can't see any place in the radiator that is leaking. I have new radiator hoses that I still have to install.
Here's the question.
Has anyone ever used Bars Leaks or a similar radiator stop leak product in a Model A?
I've used it in modern cars with relative success.
Thoughts?
Thanks.

Someone put some Bars Leak into the radiator of my pickup, totally gummed up the tubes such that I had to find an "old school" radiator shop that knew how to work on brass radiators to rod it out. Keep in mind that Bars Leak works in part by the pressurized cooling system forcing the goo into small leaks, and you don't have a pressurized cooling system in a Model A.

JayJay

[J Franklin]

If you want to use a stop-leak use one that is in dry powder form like AlumaSeal.

[alexiskai]

I wonder if you could rig up a temporary shroud for the water pump, like the leather ones I see on some cars, that would block the fan draft and allow any leakage to collect there or drip down the block. Then you'd know which piece was leaking.

[1crosscut]

I don't think that you need to go the stop leak route just yet.
First off is your radiator cap gasket in good shape?
Are you by chance filling the radiator to the top (too full) and coolant is overflowing out the overflow tube and picked up by the air flow?

A dry paper towel is your friend here. Use it to dab around the hose fittings, water pump shaft, bushing and mating surface to the head.

If it is leaking from a hose, your water pump or elsewhere you should be able to find it with the paper towel or toilet tissue.

[Neshkoro]

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Good thought!
Thanks for the idea.

[Conaway2]

Two thoughts -
On the water pump, I’ve rebuilt a number of pumps with a new stainless steel shaft and modern o-ring seal that all the vendors sell - no more leak issues or fiddling with the original type seals that always eventually leak.

Radiator - I;ve gummed up more than one radiator as a teenager by using stop-leak products. a good radiator shop can clean and repair your radiator for less than a new one. In fact, I’m picking up an original A radiator from a local shop today....the cost will be $125.

Good luck - Jim

[1931 flamingo]

Disconnect the fan belt and run it. This eliminates the w/pump and if the rad is leaking you should be able to see it. Use a bright light.
Paul in CT

[Y-Blockhead]

I once had a small leak that was driving me nuts trying to find. Mine only leaked when sitting overnight and cold. When running it didn't leak. I found it when I removed the radiator shell and found a crack on the front side where top tank is soldered to the tubes.

[Neshkoro]

I'm going to try the AlumaSeal first. If it fixes it, I'm good. If not, I'll keep looking.