1932 Ford Cooling System

O

Old VW Guy

Junior Member
OK, my second "rookie" Question. I have a 1932 Ford V8 Four Door Sedan, and I can't find information on the cooling system. I understand this is a Non-Pressurized System. But I don't know how much coolant to put in the Radiator and how I know if it is staying "cool enough" (Only a Fuel Gauge). So, just for fun I filled the radiator to the top (like I would a pressurized systems) and took a few spins around the block and in a few minutes all the new coolant I put it just bubble out of the overflow, and its back were it was before, below a metal plate just above the cores (I'd show a picture, but not having luck with that process either (enter URL of my photo ??) So, I have googled for a couple of hours now and I have not had ANY luck on the stock 1932 Ford V8 Cooling System. HELP - Dan
 
If it doesn't overheat then you have the right amount of coolant. Mine does the exact same thing it just pisses all the extra out, doesn't overheat.
 
As Tom indicates, in a non-pressurized cooling system, as the coolant is heated up, it expands and if the amount of the expanded coolant exceeds the system's capacity the excess has no where to go but out of the radiator overflow tube. Stop filling your radiator up to where you can see the coolant in the top of the radiator when the system is cool or cold. You are wasting your time, energy, and coolant. (Nearly all liquids and most gases, such as air, expand when heated; it's pretty elementary physics.)
 
Or, you can get a pressure regulator (very light pressure) that attaches to the bottom of the overflow tube from Skip Haney 941-637-6698. I have one of those on three of my cars and they work well.
 
OK, Tom, makes sense. I appreciate the reply. My previous vintage restorations have been Air Cooled VW's !! :) - Dan
 
DavidG said:
As Tom indicates, in a non-pressurized cooling system, as the coolant is heated up, it expands and if the amount of the expanded coolant exceeds the system's capacity the excess has no where to go but out of the radiator overflow tube. Stop filling your radiator up to where you can see the coolant in the top of the radiator when the system is cool or cold. You are wasting your time, energy, and coolant. (Nearly all liquids and most gases, such as air, expand when heated; it's pretty elementary physics.)
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Thanks David, I just worry about running out of coolant and ruining the block. If I can't seen the coolant level, how do I know if I have much of anything left ?
 
jimTN said:
Or, you can get a pressure regulator (very light pressure) that attaches to the bottom of the overflow tube from Skip Haney 941-637-6698. I have one of those on three of my cars and they work well.
Click to expand...
Very interesting idea !! Thanks !
 
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