Overheating 1930 Model A

JoeMarine

JoeMarine

Senior Member
Can someone please give me the best recommendation in regards to buying a new radiator for my 1930 Model A.

My vehicle overheats very quickly (after driving it about 20 minutes) no matter how I use the spark lever and gas. . .
I've put in a four bladed fan . . . did not work.
I changed the spark plugs and made sure they were gapped properly.
Timing seems to be okay.
I tightened the fan belt . . . did not work.
I added a temp gauge to keep an eye on the temperature.
I've looked in the "MAC" catalog, "Berts" catalog and Bratton and needless to say, there are a number of choices.

Looking for other advice.
Thanks in advance.
Semper Fidelis
Joe
 
have you ran a good flush through the system it may have 90 years of crap inside? A radiator shop may be able to help? Might be cheaper than a new radiator. You stated you added A temperature gauge what is it actually reading? Remember not to over fill the system as it will just push it out. Let it seek its happy point.
 
Bergs would be the way to go for a new radiator. But first another thougbt: is your radiator original? And also, are you positive that you have enough coolant?
 
dbaldwi3 said:
have you ran a good flush through the system it may have 90 years of crap inside? A radiator shop may be able to help? Might be cheaper than a new radiator. You stated you added A temperature gauge what is it actually reading? Remember not to over fill the system as it will just push it out. Let it seek its happy point.
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Good starting advise. Also check out your water pump.
Semper Fi Brother:)
 
Check to be sure your head gasket is not leaking air into the cooling system. Fill the radiator so you can see the coolant. Run the engine and check for bubbles coming up in the radiator. If you have this kind of leak even the best radiator is not going to solve your heating problem. Check the head to see if it has to be milled. It should not be over .002" out of being perfectly flat. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
Thank you DKnapp, I'll give that a try tomorrow.


JayVee34. I put a new radiator in a few years ago . . . but it wasn't a very good one. I have flushed the system. After 20 minutes it borders on the red line at 180 degrees. I haven't seen "steam" and I normally shut it down before it goes any higher. The fluid level is just barely over the fins so I think I'm good there. If I add too much it does pump out the bottom when I shut it down. I did put in a new pump. Thanks
Semper Fidelis
Joe

Ivan, would you go with a 2-row 10 fin or 2 -row 6 fin radiator? Is there much difference between "Pressurized" Radiators and just Radiators?

Chris, radiator is a replacement and coolant level is good.
 
I would get Bergs 3 row 12 fin radiator. If you are willing to spend around 600 for decent radiator, then you might as well pay 825 for the best.

Also, 180 degrees isn't too hot. I get nervous after 190 to 200 degrees.
 
I am very happy with my Bergs radiator. It is the atmospheric variety. The car never overheats even when I push it up a steep grade in summer.

I have a 160 degree thermostat but I drilled 6 holes in the flange so that I get some flow even with the thermostat closed. That seems to help the operation of the thermostat and more uniform temperature in the engine. With my heat gun I measured 170 degrees at the head and 200 degrees at the pan while the temperature gauge installed in the output neck measured 140. This was while driving at 45 on a level road in summer. The holes in the thermostat are 1/4 inch.
 
Bergs is the best on the market hands down.

But I would not spend a dime yet because i don't think you have a problem.

If you can get your car around 190 degrees whether going down the highway of in traffic that is a perfect temperature.
 
I wonder would the Evans Cooling System work?? Just wondering hopefully some of the more "seasoned" experts can comment. FYI
 
JoeMarine said:
What temperature would be considered too hot? Thanks
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Water boils @ 212 degrees, 180 is considered normal, when it starts getting
200 and rising I would get concerned. If it is not steaming or blowing hot water out of the overflow or the cap and temp is below 200 I would not consider it to be running hot. OMHO and others.
 
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