|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
09-15-2021, 06:24 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Overheating 1930 Model A
Can someone please give me the best recommendation in regards to buying a new radiator for my 1930 Model A.
My vehicle overheats very quickly (after driving it about 20 minutes) no matter how I use the spark lever and gas. . . I've put in a four bladed fan . . . did not work. I changed the spark plugs and made sure they were gapped properly. Timing seems to be okay. I tightened the fan belt . . . did not work. I added a temp gauge to keep an eye on the temperature. I've looked in the "MAC" catalog, "Berts" catalog and Bratton and needless to say, there are a number of choices. Looking for other advice. Thanks in advance. Semper Fidelis Joe |
09-15-2021, 06:31 PM | #2 |
Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Delaware
Posts: 32
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Try Snyder’s. I purchased one for my 1930 Tudor. Great quality and fix
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
09-15-2021, 06:51 PM | #3 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Gulf coast of florida
Posts: 66
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
have you ran a good flush through the system it may have 90 years of crap inside? A radiator shop may be able to help? Might be cheaper than a new radiator. You stated you added A temperature gauge what is it actually reading? Remember not to over fill the system as it will just push it out. Let it seek its happy point.
|
09-15-2021, 06:54 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Spring Grove, Illinois
Posts: 1,371
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Bergs would be the way to go for a new radiator. But first another thougbt: is your radiator original? And also, are you positive that you have enough coolant?
__________________
"The more things change, the more they stay the same." |
09-15-2021, 08:18 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Portsmouth, Virginia
Posts: 303
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Radiators are expensive! In my opinion, Bergs is the best. Don't go cheap. Best quality and without having to modify, Bergs is the way to go.
|
09-15-2021, 09:10 PM | #6 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: St. Augustine, Fl.
Posts: 437
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Semper Fi Brother
__________________
IN GOD WE TRUST - SEMPER FIDELIS John |
|
09-15-2021, 09:25 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 447
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Check to be sure your head gasket is not leaking air into the cooling system. Fill the radiator so you can see the coolant. Run the engine and check for bubbles coming up in the radiator. If you have this kind of leak even the best radiator is not going to solve your heating problem. Check the head to see if it has to be milled. It should not be over .002" out of being perfectly flat. Good luck and keep us posted.
|
09-15-2021, 09:44 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thank you DKnapp, I'll give that a try tomorrow.
JayVee34. I put a new radiator in a few years ago . . . but it wasn't a very good one. I have flushed the system. After 20 minutes it borders on the red line at 180 degrees. I haven't seen "steam" and I normally shut it down before it goes any higher. The fluid level is just barely over the fins so I think I'm good there. If I add too much it does pump out the bottom when I shut it down. I did put in a new pump. Thanks Semper Fidelis Joe Ivan, would you go with a 2-row 10 fin or 2 -row 6 fin radiator? Is there much difference between "Pressurized" Radiators and just Radiators? Chris, radiator is a replacement and coolant level is good. |
09-15-2021, 10:04 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,903
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
180 degrees is not too hot.
__________________
Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
09-16-2021, 05:44 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
What temperature would be considered too hot? Thanks
|
09-16-2021, 06:10 AM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Portsmouth, Virginia
Posts: 303
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
I would get Bergs 3 row 12 fin radiator. If you are willing to spend around 600 for decent radiator, then you might as well pay 825 for the best.
Also, 180 degrees isn't too hot. I get nervous after 190 to 200 degrees. |
09-16-2021, 06:47 AM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 3,772
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
I am very happy with my Bergs radiator. It is the atmospheric variety. The car never overheats even when I push it up a steep grade in summer.
I have a 160 degree thermostat but I drilled 6 holes in the flange so that I get some flow even with the thermostat closed. That seems to help the operation of the thermostat and more uniform temperature in the engine. With my heat gun I measured 170 degrees at the head and 200 degrees at the pan while the temperature gauge installed in the output neck measured 140. This was while driving at 45 on a level road in summer. The holes in the thermostat are 1/4 inch.
__________________
A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
09-16-2021, 08:53 AM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Jayvee34, friend request completed.
Semper Fidelis Marine |
09-16-2021, 08:55 AM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thank you Sir.
|
09-16-2021, 08:57 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thanks nkaminar, I'll look into the Berg radiator.. More to follow.
|
09-16-2021, 09:59 AM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,082
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Bergs is the best on the market hands down.
But I would not spend a dime yet because i don't think you have a problem. If you can get your car around 190 degrees whether going down the highway of in traffic that is a perfect temperature. |
09-16-2021, 03:30 PM | #17 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Henderson, TN
Posts: 20
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
I wonder would the Evans Cooling System work?? Just wondering hopefully some of the more "seasoned" experts can comment. FYI
|
09-16-2021, 05:22 PM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: St. Augustine, Fl.
Posts: 437
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Water boils @ 212 degrees, 180 is considered normal, when it starts getting
200 and rising I would get concerned. If it is not steaming or blowing hot water out of the overflow or the cap and temp is below 200 I would not consider it to be running hot. OMHO and others.
__________________
IN GOD WE TRUST - SEMPER FIDELIS John |
09-17-2021, 09:54 AM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,903
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
I may not be considered "seasoned" but I would not recommend the use of Evans.
__________________
Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
09-17-2021, 04:30 PM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,179
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Here is a thread from fordbarn V8 forum for some information. Flatheads have unpressurised system like Model A.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/printthread.php?t=196022 John
__________________
Welcome each day |
09-17-2021, 08:23 PM | #21 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Glendora, Calif..
Posts: 56
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Bergs, can’t go wrong, simply the best..!
|
09-17-2021, 08:44 PM | #22 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Gulf Shores, AL
Posts: 77
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Do you have engine pans? I had overheating issues and went back to the pans and a new 2-bladed fan. Then I had a problem getting her up to operating temp (she ran at about 120*), so I added a thermostat and now she happily stays at 160*. My radiator is the original and has been boiled out and cleaned at a radiator shop. My coolant level stays just above the radiator fins and I use a 50/50 premix of antifreeze/coolant.
Good luck. |
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
09-18-2021, 03:35 PM | #23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,890
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Gufshoz makes an interesting point. I have driven my A with engine pans, and without. Just seems to me like the pans help suck the heat out.
|
09-18-2021, 03:52 PM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Birch Bay WA
Posts: 190
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Joe, what i would do before I invested in a new radiator is flush your rad out. I flushed mine out with 3 gallons of vinegar by going for a 30 mile drive, Came home and drained it and used a 2 /3 vinegar to water, went for a drive and drained it and then did a 1/3 mixture and drained it. I then ran water through the rad, filled it with water and went for a drive. I repeated this three times and my water was finally clean after the last drain.
I bought a hand held heat sensor from Napa and shoot my temp regularly, i80 degrees is not out of line IMHO Gerry Birch Bay WA |
09-18-2021, 06:05 PM | #25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,903
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Joe before you invest in a new radiator make sure your timing is actually okay.
Your wrote in your first post that you thought your timing "seemed okay". Maybe re visit the timing again just to be absolutely sure. Timing can make a huge difference. You've also posted that you have been shutting it down when your temperature gauge has reached 180 degrees. Take the cap off and place a dial meat thermometer directly into the coolant. You can drive with the cap off and with the thermometer in place. That way you can pull over when your dash mounted gauge reaches 180 etc... and check to see if the gauges agree. Go ahead and keep driving it after reaching 180 and see just how hot it gets. With the cap off you will see it starting to steam and boil over before things get too serious and damage your engine. (if radiator is too full it cam mimic an over heat / your gauges will tell you if that is the case) Just stay close to home and be willing to pull over and rest the engine for a bit if it actually does start to get too hot and boil over. One more thing to check is for a failed head gasket. Remove the fan belt and watch the coolant for bubbles when revving the engine some. The kits to test for compression gasses in the automotive parts stores or online are fairly inexpensive and leave pretty much no question if you do or do not have a compression leak. I think that there's a reasonably good chance you won't need to spend the money on a new radiator.
__________________
Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
09-19-2021, 06:44 PM | #26 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Thanks for the mentorship |
09-19-2021, 06:48 PM | #27 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thanks Crosscut, I'll try those recommendations tomorrow.
Semper Fidelis joe |
09-19-2021, 06:49 PM | #28 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thanks Gufshoz, I do have the engine pans. I've had them on for over 6 years now.
|
09-19-2021, 06:51 PM | #29 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Urrrahh, thanks Jayvee34, I'll run it to see what my max temp is tomorrow and let everyone know. Thanks again for the advice.
Semper Fidelis Joe Marine Marine Always |
09-19-2021, 06:52 PM | #30 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thanks Old31
|
09-19-2021, 06:53 PM | #31 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Williston, Florida
Posts: 82
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
JoeMarine, from an old retired Navy man, I would recommend a Berg Radiator. I was given the same advice when I had a overheating problem with my 1930 Model A Coupe. A Bergs Radiator has never let me down and I highly recomend one if you are in the budget for it. Take care shipmate. Hugh
|
09-19-2021, 06:53 PM | #32 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thanks Illinois John.
|
09-20-2021, 11:45 AM | #33 | ||
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 4,992
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn! |
||
09-20-2021, 12:43 PM | #34 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 235
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Disconnect bottom hose and plug inlet with a rag . Run garden hose into filler and see that it flows right through. Hold hand over bottom and fill and remove hand and water should gush out.
|
09-20-2021, 12:43 PM | #35 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 235
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Do same with block
|
09-20-2021, 06:34 PM | #36 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
1CrossCut, Jayvee34, Gufshoz, Gene and the rest of the professionals on line . . . thank you again.
I took all your advice and here are the results: Drove the car for almost one hour. Put a meat thermometer in the radiator neck and the highest the temperature ever got was around 195 . . . both at the neck and on the gauge I've installed. I also checked to see if any bubbles were 'percolating' with the cap off . . . never saw any bubbles so I believe the gasket on the head is okay. I still haven't flushed the system but will do so next week. All that said, you all saved me big bucks. I don't plan to buy a radiator for now. I'm hoping after I flush the system the temperature will be a little less than 195. Looking forward to driving the vehicle further and longer than before. Again, many thanks to you all. God Bless and Semper Fidelis Joe Marine Marine Always |
09-20-2021, 07:38 PM | #37 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,903
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Glad your gaining on it.
When you flush the radiator most do so to try to get out rust. First use Simple Green or some dishwasher detergent to get the grease (usually from years of excess greasing of the water pump) out that may be coating things. After that go after the rust.
__________________
Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
09-21-2021, 10:27 AM | #38 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 4,992
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
If one uses dishwasher detergent to clean the cooling system be sure and get the low sudsing type. Don't ask.
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn! |
09-21-2021, 01:18 PM | #39 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: new britain,ct 06052
Posts: 9,387
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
IF the water looks rusty BEFORE draining if you have a concrete driveway, drain it in the street or on the grass. Concrete will most likely stain. FWIW
Paul in CT |
09-21-2021, 10:29 PM | #40 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 235
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Rear water jackets around # 4 have a tendency to store egg corn shells . The head does so as well . And...No ! I do not have a clue how those nuts and pieces of seat material gets in there
|
09-22-2021, 11:23 AM | #41 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thanks for the tips Crosscut.
More to follow! |
09-22-2021, 11:24 AM | #42 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
LC Katy. LOL
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
09-22-2021, 11:24 AM | #43 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thanks Flamingo
|
09-22-2021, 11:25 AM | #44 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 115
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Thanks Jerry
|
09-24-2021, 11:15 AM | #45 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Friday Harbor, Washington
Posts: 43
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
I resolved my overheating issue which sounds very much like yours by lowering the water level in the radiator.
|
09-24-2021, 07:15 PM | #46 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Friday Harbor, Washington
Posts: 43
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
09-25-2021, 11:46 AM | #47 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 4,992
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
That's strange.
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn! |
09-30-2021, 06:51 PM | #48 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,890
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
|
09-30-2021, 07:39 PM | #49 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Land of Lincoln
Posts: 3,109
|
Re: Overheating 1930 Model A
Quote:
__________________
Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|