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Old 05-06-2019, 12:59 PM   #1
Anton Voycheck
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Default Leakage from radiator cap 1937 85hp

I took a short ride on Saturday in my 1937 Ford with 85hp.

When I returned, I noticed that some coolant had leaked out of the radiator cap. The cap is really old and appears to be original.

I went for a short ride yesterday, just a few miles, and the same thing happened. I stuffed a rag in the hole and replaced the cap. I went on another short ride. The coolant came up again and leaked out of the cap.

The car was running good and was not overheating. The temp gauge said 170 degrees during these operations. The cap is very very loose fitting and does not seal.

I just ordered a new radiator cap from Joe's.

Could this be more serious than a radiator cap? It has never happened before. All help appreciated.

Thanks.

Anton.
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Old 05-06-2019, 01:39 PM   #2
petehoovie
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Default Re: Leakage from radiator cap 1937 85hp

Expect this to happen if you fill the radiator all the way to the top. The cooling system in these old Fords seem to be self regulating and will find a 'sweet spot' with respect to the coolant level in the radiator....
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Old 05-09-2019, 08:14 PM   #3
Anton Voycheck
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Default Re: Leakage from radiator cap 1937 85hp

Still have an over flow problem; now has turned into an over heat problem. I think it is a bad thermostat or bad pump(s). Today I drove a short distance and the temp was 170-180 degrees. Coolant was weeping out of the (loose) cap. I came back to the barn. By the time I got the garage door open, the car heated up to 200 degrees. I pulled in and let it run for a few minutes. It was at 212 after just a few minutes. After about 6 minutes of running idle, coolant started bubbling over. About a quart of coolant was ejected. I shut the car off. I am going to try the thermostats first; then if no joy I will change the pumps. Have been advised to restore the radiator too. Thanks. Anton.
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Old 05-09-2019, 11:02 PM   #4
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Default Re: Leakage from radiator cap 1937 85hp

I see that Joe's offers 160 degree and 180 degree thermostats.

What is recommended for my light driving?

Should I get 160 or 180 degree thermostats?

Thank you.
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Old 05-09-2019, 11:18 PM   #5
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Default Re: Leakage from radiator cap 1937 85hp

I would personally run it with out thermostats and see if the issue improves ,if it doesn't then get the radiator rodded out ,I run 60s but others my have other suggestions Ted
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Old 05-10-2019, 11:02 AM   #6
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Default Re: Leakage from radiator cap 1937 85hp

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"Today I drove a short distance and the temp was 170-180 degrees. Coolant was weeping out of the (loose) cap. I came back to the barn. By the time I got the garage door open, the car heated up to 200 degrees. I pulled in and let it run for a few minutes. It was at 212 after just a few minutes. After about 6 minutes of running idle, coolant started bubbling over. About a quart of coolant was ejected. I shut the car off. I am going to try the thermostats first; then if no joy I will change the pumps. Have been advised to restore the radiator too. Thanks. Anton."

Yep, I like the 180s (or higher). But first need to try to isolate the overheating issue. Pulling the existing thermostats seems like an easy first step even though that is likely not the issue. There have been a number of past threads on various things to look at as a source for the overheating.
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Old 05-10-2019, 12:39 PM   #7
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Default Re: Leakage from radiator cap 1937 85hp

You aren't filling the radiator to the top are you ?
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Old 05-10-2019, 02:15 PM   #8
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Default Re: Leakage from radiator cap 1937 85hp

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ggmac View Post
You aren't filling the radiator to the top are you ?
Why wouldn't you fill the radiator up within 1" to 1 1/2"s from the neck??
This is a 22 quart system. Not 17 or 18. Less coolant equals less cooling.
Install a small coolant over flow bottle, run the over flow into the top of
the bottle and a return off the bottom back into the radiator through the radiator over flow tube. If you put a Lasko $15.00 box fan against the
radiator grill you will have the same amount of air through the radiator
as going down the road at 35 to 40 MPH. With the fan and full of water
or coolant and a GOOD TIGHT SEALING CAP It should run at about 165
to 170 on the front side of the radiator tank below the water level. You can check both sides, the passenger side is usually 8 degrees warmer. In
this test run the engine at a speed of about 30 MPH. The key to most
problems is a tight sealing cap. The hard fiber washer DON"T seal good.
You need to drill the rivet out of the cap and make a rubber gasket from
the 1/8th inch red rubber gasket material found in the plumbing section
at your hardware store. Replace the rivet with a 1/4-20 SS round head
slotted screw, flat washer, lock washer and nut with a little loc tite on
the threads. Also put a thin coat of HI TEMP wheel bearing grease on the
rubber so it tightens good and helps seal the cap. You have to keep moving
in traffic, forward motion of the car gives you most of the cooling air.
You may have to change your route to keep moving. Use a laser pointed
temp gun to test temps. Also 2 bottles of Purple Ice for better cooling.
If coolant is in the plastic bottle as the temp falls below 155 it will be
sucked back into the system. G.M.
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