Got 'er running!

P

Poager

Junior Member
Hello all. After, very slowly, doing a bit of work on the '30 Model A i've had handed down to me, I finally got her running today. :D
I am concerned about the shape of the block/radiator when it comes to rust/scale. I've vinegar soaked both independently and have flushed them out with a hose.
After a 2 minute run down my street (which was scary and exciting) I parked back in my driveway and kept it running for another 7-8 minutes or so. I checked the temp guage I installed from Snyders and it was creeping into the red. I shut the car off and the radiator boiled over a bit.
So, as it stands I am very excited and also realizing all the work I have ahead of me. :eek:
Here's pic, hope it works. I know she needs a wash...
 

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Feel around the radiator for cold spots, sounds like you might have an issue there or your timing is way off.. Just two ideas to ponder among other scenarios
Glad to hear of the first run..good goin
 
Might need to back flush each with some pressure. I isolated the radiator from the block and made up a pvc setup so I could pressurize the water flush. and do it counter flow.
There is alot of scale in the head and in the block.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. It is appreciated. I think I will be in the market for a new radiator at some point, I've seen ppl rig up air compressors with a hose to pressure wash. Might give that a try. Hoping I won't have to open up the head to try and clean it out, but if that's what it takes.
 
If a new radiator is in store for you consider just getting the core replaced. It will fit better in the shell than a repo and not be as expensive.

Mike
 
Did you change out all the fluids like oil, trany fluid, rear end, etc.? If not you may want to think about doing that before you run it to much. Looks like a great rig and congratulations for getting it running.
 
dont know how long you left the vinegar in, but I go about 6 weeks and it works like a charm on everything..............
 
I may be off base. In the back of my mind I keep thinking about if your timing is, I believe too far advanced, you engine can overhead as well. I have a 50/50 chance guessing advanced or delayed....Anyone comment if this could also contribute to the problem?

Also, I have never heard of using vinegar like this to clean the cooling system. Can someone explain the procedure please?

Thanks all and stay warm.
 
I did not change ****** or rear end fluid. I changed the motor oil. I will change the others before I get it on the road anymore.

I'll keep the progress posted up here as I go. Appreciate the good input everyone!
 
" or your timing is way off.."
Even 5 degrees retarded (late) will make a world of difference.
People seem to have trouble timing a Model A.
90% of the cars that we service are timed late by the owner.
Late timing (retarded) will make a motor run quite hot. Easy enough to check.

In the meantime put a nylon stocking in the upper radiator hose so that it goes into the rad. a small distance to act as a filter for any rust crud that breaks free while you are testing/driving. Dont let it sag in the bottom end of the hose it will get caught up by the water pump. Just use a 6" piece in the upper portion of the hose, allowing 2" to double back over the rad inlet neck, then reapply the hose. This leaves about 4" sticking inside the rad. Check it for crap every 25-50 miles or so until it comes out clean.
It is always possible that there is nothing wrong with the rad yet. Do the easy stuff first.
 
Last edited:
KansasRick said:
I may be off base. In the back of my mind I keep thinking about if your timing is, I believe too far advanced, you engine can overhead as well.


Thanks all and stay warm.
Click to expand...

This would be the first thing I would check. Even using all the different methods out there I still had to tweak the timing a little once I drove it.
 
KansasRick said:
Also, I have never heard of using vinegar like this to clean the cooling system. Can someone explain the procedure please?
Click to expand...

Simple, remove coolant, replace with vinegar and drive it for a few weeks. Drain, back flush and refill with coolant. Some place a filter in the top hose to catch any large crap. The filter can be a simple as window screen or the purchase of a "Gano" filter (do a google search), Ok forget the search, here you go; http://www.ganofilters.com/
 
That's not dirty, that's "driven", looks real good and congrats.
Do you have a thermostat installed?
Since you did the vinegar treatment I would pull the radiator and turn it upside down and flush, sit the cap over a bucket, bet LOTS of crap comes out, I did the vinegar and I got lots of garbage out of there, I did it twice, about two weeks apart.
I also soaked the inside of the radiator with evaporust, do that off the car, plug all openings and rotate it around every 24 hours, take about four days.
Worked like a champ for me. But you may find some leaks, I was lucky.
Evaporust is $20, lot cheaper then a new rad, and it's worth a try.
Enjoy the car.
 
Mike V. Florida
Thanks for the vinegar cleaning info. Do you use straight vinegar out of the bottle or mix it with water? I think once it warms up I will give it a try. Can't hurt except smell like canning pickles maybe....
 
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do not forget to neutralize the radiator and block using a full box or two of dissolved baking soda.
Vinegar is a corrosive.
 
Poager said:
I did not change ****** or rear end fluid. I changed the motor oil. I will change the others before I get it on the road anymore.

I'll keep the progress posted up here as I go. Appreciate the good input everyone!
Click to expand...

Poager, great that you changed the motor oil. You are correct, change the rest when you get time. How thick was the motor oil? If it was real thick, then somewhere along the way you may want to drop the pan and clean it out also.

Have fun with your new "toy".
 
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