A few tiny leaks

S

Six volt

Member
I reinstalled the clean radiator and have all new hoses. This past Saturday filled the cooling system, this is on my 37, ran the engine to warm up twice. Monday I saw coolant leaking down the heads from lower hose attachment point, from both outlet hoses. The necks are smooth they don't have a gripping ridge on them, I hadn't used sealer either, there is some now. And both drain peacocks were wet. So drained the system completely. And because I want to get this buggy on the road soon, I bought two threaded 1/4" brass ball valves, and brass close nipples, used sealer. These can be plugged as well, there threaded. Rather than have to order the new original style petcocks and wait for them. So now doing that might put the car in the retro rod category? Hope not. The water pump necks are smooth also but they were dry, so didn't mess with them. Thank goodness, those are harder to get off with everything installed now. So I'm 71 and I learned a lesson, sealer always. I'll take off the valve handles so they aren't susceptible to accidentally getting opened. So far everything is dry.
 
It's always best to use sealer on your radiator hoses - Permatex no-hardeneing type or the old traditional shellac. Plus, I always dimple the smooth water pump outlets with a center punch and use 2 clamps on each end of the hose.
Still holding after 12 years.
 

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Hey Six Volt,

I am 71 also and still learning, especially on the Ford Barn--However, this is the first time I have heard of dimpling a smooth neck--I have heard of using sealer and double clamps but have never found the need--I did learn over 50 some years (finally) that over tightening the clamp will soon take the elasticity out of the rubber hose and cause premature leakage--Most of these old Fords use little or no pressure and should not require sealers or double clamps, in my very humble opinion--Don
 
Since I started using this style hose clamp, I've had no problem at all. I lightly lubricate both the inside of the hose and the clamp.
 

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petehoovie said:
Where did you purchase the clamp pictured....
Click to expand...

To be exact, from a hardware store in Homer, Alaska.

It is a Dixon clamp, Marine supply houses have them. May be other places as well. Jeggs have some, but the bolts are too long and they don't look right, although they work just as well.
 
They are known as "T-Bolt Clamps" Google either Dixon, or Murray as they both make them. And yes you see them a lot on boats. I think you can see the advantage over worm gear clamps.
 
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