an unpleasant surprise today....

39portlander

Well-known member
After a pretty nice 30 miles I got back and parked to grab a bite and when I went back outside noticed my drive way now green under the peeeekup. The left side hose poped off, thankfully in the driveway.

Later cleaned things up and gave it a long overdue washing, purring like it should again.

Check your hose clamps fellas:D And I should know better I just went through this on my 77 F150 that I though was weeping from the upper hose but the radiator is now out and heading for a cleaning and seam repair.
 

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After a pretty nice 30 miles I got back and parked to grab a bite and when I went back outside noticed my drive way now green under the peeeekup. The left side hose poped off, thankfully in the driveway.

Later cleaned things up and gave it a long overdue washing, purring like it should again.

Check your hose clamps fellas:D And I should know better I just went through this on my 77 F150 that I though was weeping from the upper hose but the radiator is now out and heading for a cleaning and seam repair.
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I have coated the hoses with Indian Head Shellac for decades with wonderful results.
Available at Napa for just a few bucks, well, there's a good reason this stuff has been around for 60+ years, namely, it works.
Plus, yeah, ya need to get those clamps tight.
 
That's a great tip using the shellac Mike, will do that on both the 39 and 77 when that radiator is back from the shop.

And as always thanks Pete for the bigger pics.
 
How much pressure you running on your cooling system?
Well...Ken the cap says 13 lbs, I'll be honest I have not touched anything on this truck except an oil change after the initial break-in.

Walt Dupont did a great job on this motor and runs so good I really only check fluid levels and air up the tires and go.

I will be going over this truck from bumper 2 bumper over the long labor day weekend.
 
It is not an original radiator, its a custom Brass works radiator with an auxillary fan mounted on the engine side. That radiator cap is what I got with that radiator.

Just checked Brass Works website, Hmmm...well seems they are available in 4-7-10-13 & 16 psi options, will locate a 4-5 psi on the double!!

Joe's antique 41A-8100A 4lb cap $12, thanks for the reply post Pete.
 
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Some owners may not know why we have pressure in the first place. Water boils at 212 degrees. If the water is under pressure, then that temperature goes up. But there's different temperatures depending on your vehicle. Where I work, I have put upwards of 17 pounds in a Wrangler! (Edit, P.S. Some caps have a lever on them to let pressure out. Nice.)
 
I have coated the hoses with Indian Head Shellac for decades with wonderful results.
Available at Napa for just a few bucks, well, there's a good reason this stuff has been around for 60+ years, namely, it works.
Plus, yeah, ya need to get those clamps tight.

Kube, when coating your hoses, would you coat 2 to 3 inches up the inside of each end of the hose? Would you put any on the fittings?
 
yikes 13lbs wonder its not leaking from every gasket in the engine as said 4 lbs is stock you can run 7lbs without to much drama but 13 lbs not for me just to high
 
Directions: apply a thin, even coat to both parts. Allow product to become tacky, then assemble.

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend fellas:D
 

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Kube, when coating your hoses, would you coat 2 to 3 inches up the inside of each end of the hose? Would you put any on the fittings?

I only put it on the hose(s) and only as far (approximately) as the hose / nipple will be clamped.
I have found it is important to follow the simple directions. Mainly, allow the shellac to dry to "tacky" before assembly.
 
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