1931 flamingo
Well-known member
X2
Paul in CT
Paul in CT
Fan Shroud?
- Thread starter leadpot
- Start date
Ed in Maine
Well-known member
If it is an older original radiator, chances are it is clogged with rust particles and water pump grease. The radiator cannot be simply flushed out. The old grease and rust is just too stuck in there. Think of it this way. You have many parellel paths between the top tank and the bottom tank. You may be successful flushing a few of these paths but then the water will just flow through the open ones and bypass the restrictions. You cannot get enough pressure drop across the core to get the velocity high enough to push through the clogged tubes.
You have to remove the top tank. I filled the core to just below the top tank to protect the core. Then using a propane torch, air compressor and nozzle, heat and blow out the solder around the seams. Remove the top tank. Then use a brass welding rod with the tip bent in a small "L" and a can of "GUNK" degreaser and spray into each tube and push the accumulated grease/rust down into the bottom tank. If you find some resistance, stop and spray more GUNK and gently start again. Be patient. You will end up with long lines of grease in the bottom tank that can be easily flushed out.
Put the top tank back on with flux and solder. My car ran at 155 F after doing this. Good luck, ED
You have to remove the top tank. I filled the core to just below the top tank to protect the core. Then using a propane torch, air compressor and nozzle, heat and blow out the solder around the seams. Remove the top tank. Then use a brass welding rod with the tip bent in a small "L" and a can of "GUNK" degreaser and spray into each tube and push the accumulated grease/rust down into the bottom tank. If you find some resistance, stop and spray more GUNK and gently start again. Be patient. You will end up with long lines of grease in the bottom tank that can be easily flushed out.
Put the top tank back on with flux and solder. My car ran at 155 F after doing this. Good luck, ED
Will N
Well-known member
I have first hand experience with this, and I disagree. My early '29 roadster ran cool. I installed an original fan shroud, and afterwards it ran hot. I removed the shroud and it ran cool again. My theory is that the shroud may ensure the fan is pulling air through the radiator (rather than drawing air from the sides behind the radiator) at idle, but when the car is moving at speed, the shroud actually blocks the free movement of air through the radiator.
hazelhoff
Senior Member
I own an early ‘29 Tudor. Before the engine was rebuilt I had severe cooling problems. After the rebuilt: NONE ! Same engine, rebuilt, new radiator core (Brassworks). Engine stays at normal operating temp, whatever the carb settings, spark settings etc ….
My guess would be: CLEAN, CLEAN !
My guess would be: CLEAN, CLEAN !