The Ford Barn

PeterBo · 11-01-2018, 05:23 PM

Over the last few days I have replaced the radiator in my 1929 Model A phaeton. Here in Oz, we get some hot days and last summer I had a few days where 'Betsy' got very close to boiling. I suspect that the radiator then was original and partially clogged. Heat gun on the radiator registered close to 95 - 98 degrees C. with outside temperature of about 34-36 degrees C.

I bought the replacement radiator from Berts (manufactured by Brassworks). Workmanship was impeccable and it fitted into the car with NO issues of sizing or connection to hoses etc. The position of the radiator needed adjustment to correctly adjust the hood but that's expected and was easy to do.

At the same time I installed a new temperature gauge which provides a new sense of confidence. After installing the new radiator the engine appears to be running at about 80 degrees C. I have refilled with 50:50 glycol coolant.

My question to the Forum is whether people have tried the new Evans coolants. Below is a good Youtube video by Jay Leno about it:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=I...&v=t7PykrgzWPQ

They claim it is:

- Waterless
- Boiling point of up to 275 degrees F.
- NEVER need replacing
- Suited to no pressure systems like the Model A
- Suited to cast iron blocks
- Not dangerous to animals or environment.

Has anyone used this in their Model A? It seems well suited for anyone with temperature issues.

eagle · 11-01-2018, 08:33 PM

Can't see any advantage over 50/50 antifreeze, if the temp is over boiling a geyser out the overflow is a good way to get your attention! Don't want to run any higher temps in the engine anyway.

updraught · 11-02-2018, 12:54 AM

This is from the Penrite web site:

"Electrolysis can be defined as the chemical reaction with dissimilar metals which react with one another via water conducting electricity. Where aluminium is involved, such electrolysis preferentially attacks the aluminium and deposits it elsewhere leaving holes where there should be no holes!"
https://www.penriteoil.com.au/knowle...r-coolants/395

You can use their Classic Car Coolant to boost anti-corrosion with coolant.
https://www.penriteoil.com.au/applic...-car-coolant#/

For a vehicle that regularly chucks out water, the waterless stuff might get expensive.

My father would run without a radiator cap and as it boiled each day would stuff the garden hose in it.

1931 flamingo · 11-02-2018, 02:52 PM

My opinion: snake oil. You should be just fine with the 50/50.
Paul in CT

Synchro909 · 11-02-2018, 03:00 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

For years, I have used a 33% glycol mix without issue. As has been said, I wouldn't like to run my engine at a temperature higher than that would give me. It might be OK but I don't want to risk an expensive rebuild or worse.

11-01-2018, 05:23 PM	#1
PeterBo Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Crackenback, NSW, Australia Posts: 25	Replacement Radiator Over the last few days I have replaced the radiator in my 1929 Model A phaeton. Here in Oz, we get some hot days and last summer I had a few days where 'Betsy' got very close to boiling. I suspect that the radiator then was original and partially clogged. Heat gun on the radiator registered close to 95 - 98 degrees C. with outside temperature of about 34-36 degrees C. I bought the replacement radiator from Berts (manufactured by Brassworks). Workmanship was impeccable and it fitted into the car with NO issues of sizing or connection to hoses etc. The position of the radiator needed adjustment to correctly adjust the hood but that's expected and was easy to do. At the same time I installed a new temperature gauge which provides a new sense of confidence. After installing the new radiator the engine appears to be running at about 80 degrees C. I have refilled with 50:50 glycol coolant. My question to the Forum is whether people have tried the new Evans coolants. Below is a good Youtube video by Jay Leno about it: https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=I...&v=t7PykrgzWPQ They claim it is: - Waterless - Boiling point of up to 275 degrees F. - NEVER need replacing - Suited to no pressure systems like the Model A - Suited to cast iron blocks - Not dangerous to animals or environment. Has anyone used this in their Model A? It seems well suited for anyone with temperature issues.

11-01-2018, 08:33 PM	#2
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Replacement Radiator Can't see any advantage over 50/50 antifreeze, if the temp is over boiling a geyser out the overflow is a good way to get your attention! Don't want to run any higher temps in the engine anyway. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

11-02-2018, 12:54 AM	#3
updraught Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Australia Posts: 1,969	Re: Replacement Radiator This is from the Penrite web site: "Electrolysis can be defined as the chemical reaction with dissimilar metals which react with one another via water conducting electricity. Where aluminium is involved, such electrolysis preferentially attacks the aluminium and deposits it elsewhere leaving holes where there should be no holes!" https://www.penriteoil.com.au/knowle...r-coolants/395 You can use their Classic Car Coolant to boost anti-corrosion with coolant. https://www.penriteoil.com.au/applic...-car-coolant#/ For a vehicle that regularly chucks out water, the waterless stuff might get expensive. My father would run without a radiator cap and as it boiled each day would stuff the garden hose in it.

11-02-2018, 02:52 PM	#4
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,389	Re: Replacement Radiator My opinion: snake oil. You should be just fine with the 50/50. Paul in CT

11-02-2018, 03:00 PM	#5
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Replacement Radiator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) For years, I have used a 33% glycol mix without issue. As has been said, I wouldn't like to run my engine at a temperature higher than that would give me. It might be OK but I don't want to risk an expensive rebuild or worse. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.