Blew the headgasket today...

[Steve Wastler]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

There has been some experiences that I have seen over the years with Model A owners that were similar to this. Where after you pull the head and clean out all of the internal water passages you can get to that when it is put back together it then overheats. Knocking the old rust and scale loose inside of these passages will find there way to the top of the radiator where they plug up the tubes.... Try a back flush of the radiator before you go into major panic mode over timing, leaking head gaskets, cracks, etc... One guy had a new radiator and was so sure it wasn't the radiator that he ended up replacing his entire engine only to find the exact same situation occuring. A simple back flush and everything was COOL.....

One would have to think if you were mechanically inclined enough to replace a head gasket, and 'knock loose' the rust and scale from every place you could get to, only common sence would lead you to back flush the engine when back together until it ran clear and if still experiencing over heating to back flush the radiator.

[dynaflash_8]

havent quite got a chance to work on it yet guys. I think before i go too crazy tearing stuff apart im going to pressure test the block. That will tell me whats what.

Ill keep you updated

[30modelA]

when you get it goin try using a thermostat, the water may not stay in the radiator long enough to cool down, also use very little anti-freeze. they got this stuff called water wetter makes it run alot cooler. make sure when you add water the engine is warm and throttled up a bit so you dont over fill, good luck

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Anyone ever cleaned out the block by filling it with muriatic acid? I know one guy who said it really worked.

[1931 flamingo]

That's been discussed, also a lot of EV8 guys run vinegar. Do a search here. The acid would have to be neutralized when done.
Paul in CT