1914 Model T, Reducing Overheating Problems

[Ed in Maine]

My 1914 T would tend to overheat quickly if the car was not moving and idling or with four adults in the car on a hot day. I made a couple of changes that seemed to keep the engine cooler:

1. I adjusted the fan blade angle to 27 degrees as suggested in a fan test report on the internet.
2. I have suspected that the belt was slipping on the fan pulley at higher RPMs. I took a mechanical vibrating pencil that you would use to write on metal and covered the pulley surface with the etching marks. I hated to do it to such a nice brass part.

The results are remarkable. The car has not overheated since I made the changes even with the car having four adults. I am sure it would over heat with a prolonged idle but if the car is kept moving in normal use it seems to be just fine. I believe it is worth a try. Happy Motoring, Ed

 

[CharlieB]

A good flush and fresh coolant might be in order if not done recently but it sounds like you had a few problems that you corrected.

 

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

A slipping belt will make it overheat every time. I just had a overheat on my 1917 with later engine and it turned out to be a loose belt as well. Pretty amazing what a tight belt will cool down.....:>)

 

[Willie in Houston]

There are some belt dressings available that help stop belt slipping. I use them on some hay making equipment. Some are black in color and if to much is apply, it can result in a mess, but it does stop belt slipping.
Here is South central Texas, I have not found the need to use it on a T or TT. A snug belt turns all my fans with no overheating. (probably cooler here in Texas)