Follow up to "new guy question"

[Pa Joe]

First of all, thanks to all that posted answers about the thermomater in the Rad cap. I bought a 1928 tudor sedan about two weeks ago and I'm in the process of going all over it to make sure it's safe and reliable as possble. The little I did drive it, I noticed that it would overflow out the tube when I shut it down. I read in the Les Andrews book that there is a baffle up top just below the rad cap that is supposed to keep the water from flowing down the tube. I don't have one. I looked at another A at Snyders and it didn't have one either. Dont know if the original rad had one but the replacement rads dont or whats the story is with the baffle. I drained the old rusty water out of the rad and filled it with soapy water (Simple Green) and drove it for a bit then drained it till it ran clear. I'll see if that helps. I won't drive it far till I'm convinced it's safe and reliable. So far, I need to replace the steering box, rear wheel bearings, and emergency brake lining bands. Getting a little long winded. thanks again for the posts. Joe

 

[Mike V. Florida]

The little I did drive it, I noticed that it would overflow out the tube when I shut it down. I read in the Les Andrews book that there is a baffle up top just below the rad cap that is supposed to keep the water from flowing down the tube. I don't have one.

Try this,

Stand in fron of car, open cap and look down into the rad. Is the overflow tube pointing towards you or away from you? If towards you, bend it away from you. You could also extend the tube so it is higher and goes into the cap a little by adding a little piece of hose.

One more thing. Take note of how much you add to the radiator each time. If it is the same amount each time and under a quart (or around that) the radiator likes that level and it will be fine to drive.

 

[Chris in WNC]

Reverheating?

my experience with multiple Model As has been:
take the radiator out and have it professionally cleaned.

'specially if your baffle is missing, it can be replaced at that time.

join your local Model A club, they will know which shop is "Model A friendly".
many shops will not have a clue.

if it won't run 45 MPH for 45 minutes without overheating, the radiator is likely to be full of grease, rust and other crud.

get an extreme duty leakless water pump, then no more grease to deal with, ever.

good luck & happy motoring!