Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-16-2018, 09:05 PM   #1
loubob
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Syracuse,NY
Posts: 264
Default Possible Radiator Problem???

While driving my car to our annual September car show I have to drive up several hills.
I've driven this route many times with no problems.
This day the car started "spitting" antifreeze out the radiator cap on 2 of the hills. Not a lot but enough to concern me. The 2 hills were about 5 miles apart.
Drove home a different way, flat roads, no problem.


Took the car out a week later and intentionally drove up several steep hills to see if the problem was still there.
First hill was almost at the top and antifreeze started coming out the cap.
The second hill was about 7 miles down the road and very steep from the start. NO problem-NO overflow.
Car has 160 degree thermostat.


Drained radiator today and removed thermostat.
Plan to flush system later this week using a radiator flush.


Looking for thoughts/suggestions. I plan to install new 160 'stat.


Thanks….Bob
loubob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2018, 09:18 PM   #2
noboD
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 313
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

SO what did your infrared temperature scanner say? All four corners of the radiator?
noboD is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 12-16-2018, 09:18 PM   #3
Big hammer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Land of Lincoln
Posts: 3,114
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

47 years ago when I was a new bee, I would keep topping the radiator and it would sometimes overflow. When I let it seek its own level it quit overflowing. Also check the cap gasket, it should not leak there, it should come out of the overflow tube. You are adjusting the timing, retarding when climbing hills a little but not to much.
__________________
Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap
get a bigger hammer tap done
Big hammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 02:55 PM   #4
DHZIEMAN
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Sunrise Beach, Mo
Posts: 439
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

It has been my experience that Model A Ford Radiators find their own natural fluid level. Keep a monitor on your temp and before going on another test, do a fluid level check of the fluid in the upper tank. If there is about an inch or so, do not refill. Rerun your test. And Make sure the GAV is properly set and the advance is properly set. If it is still blowing out liquid, then I would start looking at the need to fix something.
DHZIEMAN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 04:55 PM   #5
rocket1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Midland Park,N.J.
Posts: 1,108
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

I don't understand the statement leaking out of the radiator cap,they cap should be tightly sealed to the radiator,leak would be out the overflow to the ground.
rocket1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 05:39 PM   #6
The Master Cylinder
Senior Member
 
The Master Cylinder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 875
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
A couple of months ago my radiator did something similar while driving around in the hills. When I got back to the house there was some coolant splashed around, presumable from coming out of the radiator cap and hitting the fan. I checked the water level while the engine was idling and it appeared foamy. Because of the foam, the first thing I thought of was to check the head torque and sure enough I found a few loose. Retorqued the head and all was good.
Not saying this is your problem but it is a easy check.
__________________
The Master Cylinder

Enjoying life at the beach in SoCal...
The Master Cylinder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 06:08 PM   #7
Jacksonlll
Senior Member
 
Jacksonlll's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC
Posts: 1,686
Send a message via ICQ to Jacksonlll
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

Your radiator is plugged. It should flow at least 36 GPM.
Jacksonlll is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 06:32 PM   #8
30 Closed Cab PU
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,332
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

If flushing - suggest initially flush/backflush motor and radiator separately with water, catch the water in a big tub so you can see what comes out. Then do same with whatever chemical method you were going to use chemical (thermocure, Rust 911, commercial, white vinegar, etc.), If using something acidic/aggressive, flush with baking soda mix to neutralize. Then install an upper hose coolant filter and run.
30 Closed Cab PU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 06:54 PM   #9
sethkestenbaum
Senior Member
 
sethkestenbaum's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Westchester County, NY
Posts: 632
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

If you run it with some vinegar or anything designed to loosen up pieces of rust/gunk, you might want to RUN THE CAR WITH A FILTER IN PLACE. You don't want flushed rust/gunk to be circulating into the radiator only to clog something else up.
__________________
Seth Kestenbaum
www.oldcarroadtrip.com
sethkestenbaum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 07:29 PM   #10
TJMack
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Venice, Fl and Marcy, NY
Posts: 93
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

Quote:
Originally Posted by DHZIEMAN View Post
It has been my experience that Model A Ford Radiators find their own natural fluid level. .

My limited experience tends to agree with this. I just got a sedan that has a Motometer on it and I'm wondering how that is going to work unless the coolant level in the radiator stays within about an inch of the top. I haven't driven the car enough yet to know if it works at all.
TJMack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 07:54 PM   #11
loubob
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Syracuse,NY
Posts: 264
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

Car has motometer cap.
Fluid was just above the fins.
The antifreeze was actually bubbling out around the cap.
Going to flush system Friday, as temp is supposed to be 50.
Cannot remember the exact infared temps but positive the upper radiator was in 170's to possibly low 180's. Lower temps 35-40 degrees cooler.
I will change rad. cap gasket tomorrow.
loubob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 08:06 PM   #12
ryanheacox
Senior Member
 
ryanheacox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

I would suggest checking the head torque if the flush doesn't work.
ryanheacox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 08:12 PM   #13
loubob
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Syracuse,NY
Posts: 264
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

TMC: I will check torque.
Jackson:I don't think my rad. has ever come close to 36 gpm but it's run fine for the
6 years I've owned it.
TJ: Coolant should be just covering the fins.


Thanks to all the rest. Will advise what happens.
loubob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 08:15 PM   #14
loubob
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Syracuse,NY
Posts: 264
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

DHZIEMAN: Where should the gav be set? Rich? Lean?
loubob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 08:36 PM   #15
whirnot
Senior Member
 
whirnot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Bend Or.
Posts: 1,053
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

Quote:
Originally Posted by TJMack View Post
My limited experience tends to agree with this. I just got a sedan that has a Motometer on it and I'm wondering how that is going to work unless the coolant level in the radiator stays within about an inch of the top. I haven't driven the car enough yet to know if it works at all.
The motometer reads steam temp, not water.
__________________
Bill Worden

1929 Roadster
1929 Briggs Town Sedan
1930 Closed Cab pickup
Smith Motor Compressor
1951 Ford F1

High Desert Model A's
whirnot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 08:41 PM   #16
whirnot
Senior Member
 
whirnot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Bend Or.
Posts: 1,053
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

I had similar problems and a new radiator didn't solve it. I finally put a clamp on the upper radiator hose so it the thermostat wouldn't work its way to the top, and let the level of the coolant fall a little. As long as it's above the tubes, should be fine. I think the thermostat at the top of the hose was creating too much turbulance.
__________________
Bill Worden

1929 Roadster
1929 Briggs Town Sedan
1930 Closed Cab pickup
Smith Motor Compressor
1951 Ford F1

High Desert Model A's
whirnot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 09:16 PM   #17
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,472
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

If coolant is coming out from under the cap, the overflow must be blocked. That will not be the cause of your troubles but worth looking at (and correcting) anyway.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2018, 09:27 PM   #18
30 Closed Cab PU
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,332
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

Worst case is head gasket is going, and only apparent when car is under load (hills).
Could try as mentioned re-torqueing Head, checking the overflow is open, flush backflush, run it and see if now OK. . Then compression/leak down, or Napa Block Test kit that measures exhaust gas in the coolant. Mechanic or radiator shop may also be able to test for the coolant test.


Since you have had the car for awhile, I'm sure you know what is normal for your car, and something has changed. Would not think it would be GAV setting, coolant level, etc - seems you would already know that stuff.
30 Closed Cab PU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2018, 09:19 AM   #19
DHZIEMAN
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Sunrise Beach, Mo
Posts: 439
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Master Cylinder View Post
A couple of months ago my radiator did something similar while driving around in the hills. When I got back to the house there was some coolant splashed around, presumable from coming out of the radiator cap and hitting the fan. I checked the water level while the engine was idling and it appeared foamy. Because of the foam, the first thing I thought of was to check the head torque and sure enough I found a few loose. Retorqued the head and all was good.
Not saying this is your problem but it is a easy check.
Master Cylinder makes an excellent suggestion, If you are not familiar with the method of retorquing, here is what I had been taught and then forgot, and a Forum member refreshed my memory. To retorque a Model A Head, the first step is to loosen (using the model A Ford tightening bolt pattern) and then Re-tighten to the correct Ft/lbs! And for the one nut next to the distributor, use a crows wrench to prevent having to remove the distributor. You will find that if you have a loose nut that this re-torquing method will crank the nut down more than it has been loosened.
What I discovered on my model A was, all nuts wound up needing re-torquing!
DHZIEMAN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-23-2018, 11:42 AM   #20
DC 69
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Monterey Bay, Ca
Posts: 35
Default Re: Possible Radiator Problem???

Are gas caps the same size as radiator caps? Is it posible to put a gas cap on a radiator?

I was driving on a pretty warm day, up & down a few hills, when antifreeze came out from cap because temp was over 200*F. Stopped to let the car cool down & all was fine after.

Gasket is good, but I was wondering if I had a vented gas cap on my radiator.
DC 69 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:20 PM.