Brassworks Radiator

Afordman31

Afordman31

Well-known member
Been looking at Brassworks website. The Model A radiator has the option of the 4 psi. pressure cap for increased cooling. Has anyone tried this and do they recommend it over the standard configuration?
 
The NON Brassworks one with the 8 fins per inch works really well without all the horror stories that seem to accompany Brassworks brand radiators as I read in the old Fordbarn.

You can use your quail with it, too.
 
I have that radiator on a 155B that I just purchased. I would prefer to not have the pressure feature since the motometer will not work. The original filler neck is in place but it is sealed off. It seems to be losing water and wonder if the pressure is pushing the water out somewhere I can't see it. I also would enjoy hearing comments from others that have experience with the "pressure" radiator. Gar Williams
 
I have the pressurized Brass Works radiator that I use with an over flow tank. I like it very much and find without a thermostat in the hotest mid west weather it never gets the temperature over 185 to 190 degrees. I too have heard stories about the difficulties in dealing with Brass Works. My own experience with them was great and their product outstanding.
 
I have the 4# option in a Brassworks radiator and use it with an overflow tank. I have used this system for about 11 years without any problems. I check the antifreeze/water mix in the spring and then run it all summer long with no further filling required. I have about 46,000 miles on this combination and would do it again for a touring car. This car is often run on the freeway keeping up with the traffic in the slow lane. 65 mph is common. Without the equipment described, I would be throwing coolant out the overflow. I know this from experience as that was the reason I installed the pressure system.

I have a pickup with a standard system and find I check the radiator level about every 300 miles. About every other check I need to add some coolant. This pickup is rarely run over 50MPH.

Hope this helps you.

Good day!
Dave in MN
 
Frank & Dave:

Thanks for the info. Would it be possible for you to post a picture of how you installed the overflow tank? That very well could be where the coolant is going on my car. Thanks.... Gar Williams
 
Aerocraft said:
I have that radiator on a 155B that I just purchased. I would prefer to not have the pressure feature since the motometer will not work. The original filler neck is in place but it is sealed off. It seems to be losing water and wonder if the pressure is pushing the water out somewhere I can't see it. I also would enjoy hearing comments from others that have experience with the "pressure" radiator. Gar Williams
Click to expand...

I found I could place some oil in the top "closure cup" that seals the top of the radiator and get the Motometer to read. The motometer reads about 8-10 degrees lower than the under dash gauge tapped into the gooseneck.

Good day!
Dave in MN
 
Aerocraft said:
Frank & Dave:

Thanks for the info. Would it be possible for you to post a picture of how you installed the overflow tank? That very well could be where the coolant is going on my car. Thanks.... Gar Williams
Click to expand...

Gar,

I used a "street rod" overflow tank and do not like the way it looks under the hood of my phaeton. I would search for other options if doing it again. I don't know what I was thinking when I used it...

I have a car in my shop that has an overflow tank hidden in the frame rail just in front of the steering box. It is a pretty slick "hidden" but custom fabricated piece of work. I will/may be removing the engine this coming weekend if I get the other car out. (engine rebuild) When I have the engine out, I will take some pictures of the hidden tank and post them.

Follow-up to previous comments: I have not had any problems with Brassworks. They shipped me a radiator different from what I ordered once but promptly issued a pick-up order and rushed me the correct radiator. So my experiences have been positive. I think I have ordered 2-3 radiators over the last 11 years from them.

Good day!
Dave in MN

www.durableperformance.net
 
I saw a 1942 GI canteen and cup at a car show, and then someone who also saw it asked me to purchase it for his overflow which I did at Rhinebeck in May.
They both seem to work and look "neat" if not NOS.

I would imagine I would paint my black though, if I ever decided to use one.
 
From the feedback postings it looks like we have pros and cons about Brassworks. Are the cons enough to steer a person away from dealing with them?
 
Thanks for the great hints! I will add an overflow tank soon. Drake has a nice selection on their web site and they look slick.

I have purchased one 1914 Ford T Brass radiator from Brassworks and found them to be fine to deal with. Their product was a perfect match for the original and I had no problems with its operation. Gar Williams
 
I needed a radiator and definitely STAYED AWAY from Brassworks because of numerous negative FordBarn postings regarding their PRESENT ownership, which is not the traditional owner of past years who had a very good reputation based upon the postings.

I am quite pleased with my new "Heavy Duty" eight fins per inch Brattons radiator which kept it at around 160 degrees while I was pushing the engine in eighty degree temps this weekend. It slid right into my 1931 radiator shield with no problems in any way.

(The POWER of the POSTINGS)
 
My initial experiance with Brass works was great (old ownership) but recently has stunk. Next time I ened a radiator I will be looking to go else where. I had a 2 year old radiator leak from the inlet and they would not fix it on their dime even though it came witha lifetime warranty on this kind of work. So I had to fix it myself.
 
I've run a Brass Works 8 fin radiator coast to coast pulling a trailer, and to Dallas and never had to add water. Just be sure you thouroughly clean out all rust & sale from the water jackets.
 
I just installed a Heavy Duty (10 fins to the inch) Brassworks 30-31 Radiator, no thermostat . My hood actually fits better than it did before, I previously had a heavy duty core installed in original top and bottom tanks. I lost a fan blade on a return trip of 250 miles, 128 miles from home; it took out the radiator and the passenger side hood top.
I have put about 60 miles on the new radiator, no heating and no water added. I am very satisfied and received excellant service from the Brassworks.

Ron
 
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