The Ford Barn

Mcb12 · 08-20-2015, 08:45 AM

I keep reading about dropping a roofing nail in the overflow tube, I have a gurgling problem at times. Where is the original post about it with some details.

Gold Digger · 08-20-2015, 09:15 AM

I don't know where the original post is but it sure works.

Mcb12 · 08-20-2015, 09:38 AM

So what exactly do I do. Make sure the nail can not pop all the way out with cap on? How high should overflow tube be?

Brentwood Bob · 08-20-2015, 09:55 AM

The service bulletins have a diagram of the correct position of the overflow.
Bob

Benson · 08-20-2015, 10:28 AM

The overflow problem is caused by the in-correct positioning of the over flow tube.

My radiator was overflowing 50 years ago and since I followed the service bulletin it has not lost any water since then ...even when driving at 65 MPH for several hours.

The 1930 service bulletin for fixing the overflow problem is on Page 450 of the Service Bulletins.

This bulletin stops the overflow and makes the roofing nail un-necessary.

You can use the nail at your own risk but if the radiator ever boils over the radiator can be split open or the tubes may split ... where ever the weakest place is in your radiator.

Additional info:

See post #8

When the pressure gets high enough the nail is held down by the pressure and then the nail stops "Dancing" and no steam can escape and the radiator quickly bursts.

I predict that some one will use the nail and post asking why their radiator has burst.

rscardina · 08-20-2015, 10:31 AM

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Bill Williamson is the one that I have seen suggesting the nail trick. I have seen posts where it was successful. Mine continued to overflow even with the nail. My radiator doesn't have a baffle, which I believe is the main issue that I had. I extended the overflow tube to just under the radiator cap and added a thermostat and have not had any overflow issues since. I think the main concern would be determine if you are overheating and boiling out water or just have an overflow issue like mine. You should be able to find several post by Bill with this suggestion and other comments related to the subject.

Benson · 08-20-2015, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rscardina

Bill Williamson is the one that I have seen suggesting the nail trick. I have seen posts where it was successful. Mine continued to overflow even with the nail. My radiator doesn't have a baffle, which I believe is the main issue that I had. I extended the overflow tube to just under the radiator cap and added a thermostat and have not had any overflow issues since. I think the main concern would be determine if you are overheating and boiling out water or just have an overflow issue like mine. You should be able to find several post by Bill with this suggestion and other comments related to the subject.

For those un-familiar with the fix and reading these threads:

This is exactly what the 450 bulletin says to fix the problem in 1930 except there is no mention of using a thermostat.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 08-20-2015, 11:13 AM

THE NAIL WON'T PRESSURISE THE SYSTEM, IT JUST SITS THERE, "DANCING" AROUND & PREVENTING "SPLASH OVER", INTO THE TUBE.
It's an OOOOOLD time "fix".
Bill W.

Y-Blockhead · 08-20-2015, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benson

The 1930 service bulletin for fixing the overflow problem is on Page 450 of the Service Bulletins.
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I read this awhile back while perusing the Service Bulletins but I was concerned about bending the 85 yo overflow tube. I assume it is copper but it may have become work hardened from vibration over time?? Don't know, just askin'. Sure don't want to crack it.

I did extend the overflow tube to just under the front of the radiator opening with piece of shrink tubing.

I don't really have a 'overflow' problem when it is running but when I go out in the morning there is sometimes a small puddle under the overflow tube. I think this may be coolant condensing in the tube as the car cools down.

Y-Blockhead · 08-20-2015, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

THE NAIL WON'T PRESSURISE THE SYSTEM, IT JUST SITS THERE, "DANCING" AROUND & PREVENTING "SPLASH OVER", INTO THE TUBE.
It's an OOOOOLD time "fix".
Bill W.

Bill, is there any concern of the nail wearing out the inside of the overflow tube while it's "Dancing" around?

Mcb12 · 08-20-2015, 01:06 PM

I have been expeirmenting with GAV and timing. I picked up a sink gastet (Rubber) to use in my cap to make it seal alittle better, and running a richer fuel mixer I was able to sustain 45 mph with no water loss and even pushed her above 50 for a while. When I stopped there was nothing coming from the overflow. I think Fuel + timing + better seal = had done the trick. thanks for the help.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 08-20-2015, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Bill, is there any concern of the nail wearing out the inside of the overflow tube while it's "Dancing" around?

NAW !
Look in your filler & rev it up to about 1800 RPM & you'll be AMAZED at the flow, no wonder water splashes over the overflow & gets low, a little bit at a time.
I, personally, "feel" that most overheating is caused by either low on water or rust flakes stuck in the top of radiator tubes! RUST FLAKES WILL NEVER BE ELIMINATED, JUST CONTROLLED
IF you have a temp gauge & at road speed, the temp cycles up & down, at regular intervals, YOU'RE LOW ON WATER !
RUST FLAKES are a common condition, JUST BACKFLUSH IT, at least once a year !!!
Bill W.

Mcb12 · 08-20-2015, 02:51 PM

Thanks Bill.

Y-Blockhead · 08-20-2015, 06:57 PM

I think I posted this picture once before... I 'found' this in my water outlet when I was installing my t-stat. I assume that it was installed at some time in the past to restrict the water flow to the radiator.

But your right Bill, the water really moves in there.

My temperature only fluctuates at start up until it settles in at 160-165°F. No cycling while driving (altho that's a good point to watch for).

BILL WILLIAMSON · 08-21-2015, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

I think I posted this picture once before... I 'found' this in my water outlet when I was installing my t-stat. I assume that it was installed at some time in the past to restrict the water flow to the radiator.

But your right Bill, the water really moves in there.

My temperature only fluctuates at start up until it settles in at 160-165°F. No cycling while driving (altho that's a good point to watch for).

When poor & couldn't afford thermostats, used BIG FLAT WASHERS on Flathead V-8's, to slow down the flow.
Does anyone remember those BROWN thermostats that spliced into the top hose & had an adjustable knob that adjusted it from 160 to 180 degrees?
Bill W.

08-20-2015, 08:45 AM	#1
Mcb12 Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Black Hills South Dakota Posts: 43	Drop a roofing nail I keep reading about dropping a roofing nail in the overflow tube, I have a gurgling problem at times. Where is the original post about it with some details.

08-20-2015, 09:15 AM	#2
Gold Digger Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Arkansas & Alaska Posts: 645	Re: Drop a roofing nail I don't know where the original post is but it sure works.

08-20-2015, 09:38 AM	#3
Mcb12 Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Black Hills South Dakota Posts: 43	Re: Drop a roofing nail So what exactly do I do. Make sure the nail can not pop all the way out with cap on? How high should overflow tube be?

08-20-2015, 09:55 AM	#4
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,246	Re: Drop a roofing nail The service bulletins have a diagram of the correct position of the overflow. Bob

08-20-2015, 10:28 AM	#5
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,599	Re: Drop a roofing nail The overflow problem is caused by the in-correct positioning of the over flow tube. My radiator was overflowing 50 years ago and since I followed the service bulletin it has not lost any water since then ...even when driving at 65 MPH for several hours. The 1930 service bulletin for fixing the overflow problem is on Page 450 of the Service Bulletins. This bulletin stops the overflow and makes the roofing nail un-necessary. You can use the nail at your own risk but if the radiator ever boils over the radiator can be split open or the tubes may split ... where ever the weakest place is in your radiator. Additional info: See post #8 When the pressure gets high enough the nail is held down by the pressure and then the nail stops "Dancing" and no steam can escape and the radiator quickly bursts. I predict that some one will use the nail and post asking why their radiator has burst. Last edited by Benson; 08-20-2015 at 02:22 PM.

08-20-2015, 10:31 AM	#6
rscardina Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Livingston, Louisiana Posts: 188	Re: Drop a roofing nail Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Bill Williamson is the one that I have seen suggesting the nail trick. I have seen posts where it was successful. Mine continued to overflow even with the nail. My radiator doesn't have a baffle, which I believe is the main issue that I had. I extended the overflow tube to just under the radiator cap and added a thermostat and have not had any overflow issues since. I think the main concern would be determine if you are overheating and boiling out water or just have an overflow issue like mine. You should be able to find several post by Bill with this suggestion and other comments related to the subject. __________________ *Ryan Scardina* *Livingston, Louisiana* *1930 LSU Model A*

08-20-2015, 11:13 AM	#8
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Drop a roofing nail THE NAIL WON'T PRESSURISE THE SYSTEM, IT JUST SITS THERE, "DANCING" AROUND & PREVENTING "SPLASH OVER", INTO THE TUBE. It's an OOOOOLD time "fix". Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

08-20-2015, 01:06 PM	#11
Mcb12 Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Black Hills South Dakota Posts: 43	Re: Drop a roofing nail I have been expeirmenting with GAV and timing. I picked up a sink gastet (Rubber) to use in my cap to make it seal alittle better, and running a richer fuel mixer I was able to sustain 45 mph with no water loss and even pushed her above 50 for a while. When I stopped there was nothing coming from the overflow. I think Fuel + timing + better seal = had done the trick. thanks for the help.

08-20-2015, 02:51 PM	#13
Mcb12 Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Black Hills South Dakota Posts: 43	Re: Drop a roofing nail Thanks Bill.

08-20-2015, 06:57 PM	#14
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,849	Re: Drop a roofing nail I think I posted this picture once before... I 'found' this in my water outlet when I was installing my t-stat. I assume that it was installed at some time in the past to restrict the water flow to the radiator. But your right Bill, the water really moves in there. My temperature only fluctuates at start up until it settles in at 160-165°F. No cycling while driving (altho that's a good point to watch for).