1932 Model B radiator issue

F

Forder

Senior Member
I have a 1932 Pickup with a model B. I have a problem. When I first got the pickup I topped off the radiator right up to below the radiator cap. I learned quickly that was a mistake as it started squirting it out the radiator cap after it warmed up. After awhile it quit doing that, however now it pumps it out the overflow tube. I have driven this everyday for two months, everyday I have a antifreeze puddle on my garage floor the size of a silver dollar. I have a laser temperature gun, here is what I found:

Radiator top tank 131
Radiator fins 135
Radiator bottom tank 130
block 171
head 170
head around the spark plugs 180
Water inlet/outlet down by the starter 152
cylinder walls 182
water pump 157

So its not running hot. I don't know why its pushing out antifreeze. Surely after 2 months of being driven everyday it can't have too much in it. With the stock radiator the inside of the radiator is covered, so I can't see in there to determine how much is actually in there. I checked my oil to see if by chance I had a cracked block and its a brownish just like it is supposed to be. Any ideas how to fix my problem ?
 
The water level just needs to be to the bottom of the baffle. Any more then that it will push the water out the cap or overflow tube. Most baffles are shaped in a V with the bottom of the V under the opening, just fill till you can see water in the bottom of the V. Also check for leaks, radiator or hoses.
 
I think as above you have answered your own question, By your testing it does not run hot, so simply let the water spill out to a level your pickup is happy at and note that level. Then enjoy the drive , meanwhile keeping an eye on the gauge and to be sure the level in the top tank is the same.
 
My Model B roadster did the same thing. The motor didn't run hot so I didn't worry too much about it. I did run my overflow hose into a gallon antifreeze plastic container...which rested on the driver's side engine pan. Every once in a while I would pour the contents back into the radiator. Worked for me! Pat
 
Forder,

Had a similar issue with my UK RHD 32 B Cabriolet. Made a sight glass; fitting substitutes the rear water pump bolt....a bit of pipework which returns to the top of the radiator.

If the coolant is above the water pump, you're good to go !

Havn't topped it up in 4 years !
 

Attachments

  • SIGHT GLASS 001.JPG
    SIGHT GLASS 001.JPG
    127.6 KB · Views: 62
  • SIGHT GLASS 002.JPG
    SIGHT GLASS 002.JPG
    105.8 KB · Views: 47
  • SIGHT GLASS 003.JPG
    SIGHT GLASS 003.JPG
    126.7 KB · Views: 48
  • SIGHT GLASS 004.JPG
    SIGHT GLASS 004.JPG
    120.8 KB · Views: 44
  • SIGHT GLASS 007.JPG
    SIGHT GLASS 007.JPG
    132.7 KB · Views: 45
  • SIGHT GLASS 008.JPG
    SIGHT GLASS 008.JPG
    147.8 KB · Views: 43
Having had at least my fair share of Model B's, I think that the advice of my4dv8 above is the ticket. It will not suddenly run hot when it finally decides just how much coolant it needs without overflowing.
 
tiger.1000 said:
Forder,

Had a similar issue with my UK RHD 32 B Cabriolet. Made a sight glass; fitting substitutes the rear water pump bolt....a bit of pipework which returns to the top of the radiator.

If the coolant is above the water pump, you're good to go !

Havn't topped it up in 4 years !
Click to expand...

Just wanted to compliment you on the sight glass setup and the overall nice detailing on your engine. Very nice work!

B&S
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top