Replace Radiator

CB919ER

CB919ER

Senior Member
I'm getting ready to replace the radiator on my Model A and I was wondering if there are any tip/tricks I need to know about before diving in.

And yes, I'm planning to change the thermostat in the car while I'm at it.

Thanks for any suggestions and help
 
It is all very streight forward. You might take the opportunity to reverse flush you engine block.
 
Yes flushing the block is a very important step. Next after installation. I had a member of our club place a piece of ladies hose in the upper neck to catch any trash. Even after flushing the block after driving for 30 days with the hose in place he removed a golf ball size clump of junk that would have plugged the new cores for sure.
 
wmws said:
It is all very streight forward. You might take the opportunity to reverse flush you engine block.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. Forgive my ignorance, but do I just pour a flushing agent in the top water hose and wait for it to run out the bottom of the engine?
 
Makes a bit more of a mess per say but putting a garden hose at full flow along with adding bursts of high pressure air into the lower inlet of the engine works well. Use a rag to seal around where they enter the lower inlet. It will puke water out the upper outlet quite vigorously. Does a good job of breaking things loose and clearing things out.

Why are you replacing the radiator?
 
1crosscut said:
Makes a bit more of a mess per say but putting a garden hose at full flow along with adding bursts of high pressure air into the lower inlet of the engine works well. Use a rag to seal around where they enter the lower inlet. It will puke water out the upper outlet quite vigorously. Does a good job of breaking things loose and clearing things out.

Why are you replacing the radiator?
Click to expand...

There are some flow issues in the original radiator as well as some upper neck damage. Just want to make sure the water pump can do its job, and the car can stay cool.
 
On my cars to back flush you have to put water in from the top. I made a fitting to attach the hose to the bottom so I can flush it both directions with air and water. Works quite well. Yesterdays project showed no rust either way yet the radiator is plugged and has to be recored. Rodding wouldn't work, too far gone.
 
I bought a new rad $700 Ca only to find out that the filling spout is 3/8” higher than the original.When the cap is put on it is too high . Repo junk ,can’t even copy to original I may take it out and put the original spout on
 
CB919ER said:
I'm getting ready to replace the radiator on my Model A and I was wondering if there are any tip/tricks I need to know about before diving in.

And yes, I'm planning to change the thermostat in the car while I'm at it.

Thanks for any suggestions and help
Click to expand...

Radiators are very expensive, even used in good condition. Therefor, protecting you investment is important, eh :) !

I cut thick cardboard to size and attach it to front and back to protect FINS from damage. Easier/cheaper than trying to repair damage after it is done. Good luck.
 
When you get your new radiator check it against the old one to make sure all the spots for mounting the radiator shell are properly placed. This should not be a problem if you get it from a reputable dealer, but still.
 
hardtimes said:
Radiators are very expensive, even used in good condition. Therefor, protecting you investment is important, eh :) !
Click to expand...

JBill said:
When you get your new radiator check it against the old one to make sure all the spots for mounting the radiator shell are properly placed. This should not be a problem if you get it from a reputable dealer, but still.
Click to expand...

I got one from Snyders,wasn't cheap but not to bad considering other radiators I've purchased in the past. Hopefully all works like it supposed to.
 
I got mine from Snyder's and it fit perfectly. If your hood lines up good, consider using the rubber pads at the bottom instead of the think new ones. A fellow member told me about this.
 
Tom F OHIO said:
I got mine from Snyder's and it fit perfectly. If your hood lines up good, consider using the rubber pads at the bottom instead of the think new ones. A fellow member told me about this.
Click to expand...

that's comforting to hear. Again, thank you for the tip
 
My rad was from one of the above .Don’t know if I just got a bad one .The material on the new rad is not near as good as my original one I have had this car in heated shop since 1969 and could be over 95% correct so things like this bothers me ,when you pay big money .Compare your new one to a old one .be for you put it in .
 
For my money I would never buy a radiator with less than 10 fins per inch. But I live in N. Calif and the summers are pretty warm!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top