Overheating

[D's31]

I have a 31 tudor that I like to take out on the weekends, however when I drive it for about 30min or so around the city the water starts to boil out of the radiator through the little hose that runs along the side of the radiator and I have a puddle on the floor. What can be causing my car to be overheating. I don't have a thermostat or a temp gage.

[Bob C]

Are you overfilling the radiator, the water needs to just cover the tubes.

Bob

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by D's31

I have a 31 tudor that I like to take out on the weekends, however when I drive it for about 30min or so around the city the water starts to boil out of the radiator through the little hose that runs along the side of the radiator and I have a puddle on the floor. What can be causing my car to be overheating. I don't have a thermostat or a temp gage.

'what causing'...
Overfilling with coolant is a common cause...
Radiator tubes blocked to some extent is a common cause...
Block rust/sediment ...NOT addressed/cleaned is common and will cause radiator tube blockage. Water pump condition ?

Q: history of your engine/radiator, i.e.- 'rebuilt' when; original never apart; radiator original with crushed/'repaired' tubes. Answers to these will help diag.

[stouchton]

As mentioned - radiator needs to find its operating level.

And besides all the normal thermodynamic issues, rich mixture (burns faster) and advanced timing tend to increase block temps and lower exhaust temps. (taxes cooling system more)

[D's31]

I have filled it lower that the drainage tube I know some will spill when the engine is hot, but the radiator is boiling after 30 min and steam is coming out of the radiator. It is the original radiator, original engine has not been rebuilt ever, I did see some corrosion on the water pump neck when I changed out the old water hoses.

[SSsssteamer]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

A newly rebuilt engine will make more heat than an engine that has had time to break in.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Make sure the timing is correct and the timing lever is correctly used. A stock Model A should have the spark lever moved down about half way as soon as the engine starts, And moved about 2/3 of the way down at driving speed of 45 or so. A high compression head will take a bit less advance.

Your cooling system may need to be cleaned out. Also don't fill the top tank more than about 1/2" over the tops of the radiator tubes.

[D's31]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Make sure the timing is correct and the timing lever is correctly used. A stock Model A should have the spark lever moved down about half way as soon as the engine starts, And moved about 2/3 of the way down at driving speed of 45 or so. A high compression head will take a bit less advance.

Your cooling system may need to be cleaned out. Also don't fill the top tank more than about 1/2" over the tops of the radiator tubes.

I have never checked my timing, I will ask a club member to help me out with that. I drive with the spark lever all the way down at all times. I will try to push it up 2/3 of the ways see how it runs

[Bob C]

You can check the timing yourself, just follow Marco's instructions.
http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/timing.htm

Bob

[CWilson]

I noticed when my timing was not perfect, it got hot fast, when it never got hot before.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by D's31

...I drive with the spark lever all the way down at all times...

That's too much advance, I drive with the lever ~1/2 down 'most of the time'.

[Brentwood Bob]

When you retime, regap the points.

[Mitch//pa]

I don't go more than half either

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by stouchton

As mentioned - radiator needs to find its operating level.

And besides all the normal thermodynamic issues, rich mixture (burns faster) and advanced timing tend to increase block temps and lower exhaust temps. (taxes cooling system more)

Retarded timing overheats.

[mshmodela]

First, buy a laser thermometer, when you car starts to get hot take a temp at neck in the casting and see how hot she is.... You're sure the coolant level is not too high?

[glenn in camino]

Take the radiator out and have it rodded out at a shop. Try having the whole system back flushed first.

[eagle]

If you listen to all of the offhand advice you get, you might as well jack up the radiator cap and push a new vehicle under it. Troubleshoot the problem BEFORE you start FIXING. Check timing, point gap, headgasket leak... etc but one thing at a time, methodically.

[Brentwood Bob]

Good advice from All, especially #17.
It is difficult to see what your problem is from here.
Bob