The Ford Barn

Bruce VA · 09-09-2015, 10:40 AM

Car is a 1929 Tudor w/ a 1931 engine; 160* thermostat (w/ 3 weep holes), 4-blade fan, fan shroud, side pans, clean radiator, 50/50 anti-freeze & a new water pump.

With a probe in the radiator water, I consistently get 192* at 80-90* ambient temperature with the engine running for 10-15 minutes. That coincides with the line on my radiator cap gauge that reads "average summer temperature". And that is where it stays w/ little variation while driving.

So.......my assumption is that every thing is working as Henry designed it. Agree?

Tom Wesenberg · 09-09-2015, 11:19 AM

You're doing fine, though the temp may indicate the radiator isn't cooling like a new one would. Just keep the coolant clean and enjoy until it boils over, if that ever happens.

H. L. Chauvin · 09-09-2015, 01:25 PM

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for sharing good news in what appears to be that you have a proper functioning 1929 cooling system.

Not seeing what other's may have ..... not knowing if one ever "over-greases" one's water pump ..... it is never a bad idea to remind others that "over time", Model A coolant temperatures usually "increase" in lieu of coolant temperatures "decreasing".

Just in general, for anyone who might read this post at a later date, it is never a bad idea to continue to monitor coolant temperature occasionally ...... and if coolant temperatures increase, radiator cleaning with about a half cup of dish detergent followed by flushing with clear water will never hurt to help maintain one's Model A cooling system.

Over heated engines wear out quicker.

Also, for final radiator filling, distilled water provided in one's radiator has no mineral impurities which can cause harmful mineral deposits known to clog small radiator tubes.

Simple and proper "MONITORING" and maintenance of Model A's is never nearly as expensive as poor maintenance followed by rebuilding often.

modelAtony · 09-09-2015, 02:28 PM

Seems kinda warm for outside temp being 80-90. Doesn't give you much room for getting engine hot. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA unless this engine temp is from a parked running car for all this time. That can make a big difference.

RonC · 09-09-2015, 09:31 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The ideal operating temperature is approximately 160 to 195 degrees. Cylinder wear is reduced when an engine operates between those temperatures.

09-09-2015, 10:40 AM	#1
Bruce VA Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 11	Water temp? Car is a 1929 Tudor w/ a 1931 engine; 160* thermostat (w/ 3 weep holes), 4-blade fan, fan shroud, side pans, clean radiator, 50/50 anti-freeze & a new water pump. With a probe in the radiator water, I consistently get 192* at 80-90* ambient temperature with the engine running for 10-15 minutes. That coincides with the line on my radiator cap gauge that reads "average summer temperature". And that is where it stays w/ little variation while driving. So.......my assumption is that every thing is working as Henry designed it. Agree?

09-09-2015, 11:19 AM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Water temp? You're doing fine, though the temp may indicate the radiator isn't cooling like a new one would. Just keep the coolant clean and enjoy until it boils over, if that ever happens.

09-09-2015, 01:25 PM	#3
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Water temp? Hi Bruce, Thanks for sharing good news in what appears to be that you have a proper functioning 1929 cooling system. Not seeing what other's may have ..... not knowing if one ever "over-greases" one's water pump ..... it is never a bad idea to remind others that "over time", Model A coolant temperatures usually "increase" in lieu of coolant temperatures "decreasing". Just in general, for anyone who might read this post at a later date, it is never a bad idea to continue to monitor coolant temperature occasionally ...... and if coolant temperatures increase, radiator cleaning with about a half cup of dish detergent followed by flushing with clear water will never hurt to help maintain one's Model A cooling system. Over heated engines wear out quicker. Also, for final radiator filling, distilled water provided in one's radiator has no mineral impurities which can cause harmful mineral deposits known to clog small radiator tubes. Simple and proper "MONITORING" and maintenance of Model A's is never nearly as expensive as poor maintenance followed by rebuilding often. Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 09-09-2015 at 01:28 PM. Reason: typo

09-09-2015, 02:28 PM	#4
modelAtony Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: lafayette,la Posts: 459	Re: Water temp? Seems kinda warm for outside temp being 80-90. Doesn't give you much room for getting engine hot. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA unless this engine temp is from a parked running car for all this time. That can make a big difference. Last edited by modelAtony; 09-09-2015 at 02:36 PM.

09-09-2015, 09:31 PM	#5
RonC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 1,868	Re: Water temp? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The ideal operating temperature is approximately 160 to 195 degrees. Cylinder wear is reduced when an engine operates between those temperatures.