Overheating

J

JanP

Member
Hi, as I couldn't find anything that fits my problem I start a new threat.

I have an 1936 5 window coupe with a 21 stut V8 engine. Nearly everything of the engine is original.
Problem:
When the engine runs, it takes a little time when the water gets warm until the thermostats open. When they are open the radiator gets hot, but only in the upper part. At the bottom it stays cold. Then it takes only a few minutes until the temperature rises up to 240 degrees and the radiator blows steam out.
Even the electric van does not start to work because his thermostat is in the lower part of the radiator.

Any ideas anyone? Help in Germany is not to easy to get, as we don't have to much old Fords here.....

Thanks for help!
 
"because his (do you mean 'the'?) thermostat is in the lower part of the radiator." ??? - Explain, please....
 
Remove the radiator and have it rodded out. I'm sure there are radiator shops in Hamburg,there's probably a ton of buildup in it.
 
Just be prepared when you have it rodded out - the core may not be in good shape. Tell them to be nice with it! :) Once you need a new core, the $$$ will start flowing out of your wallet in a hurry.
 
Bored&Stroked said:
Just be prepared when you have it rodded out - the core may not be in good shape. Tell them to be nice with it! :) Once you need a new core, the $$$ will start flowing out of your wallet in a hurry.
Click to expand...
I just had mine totally rebuilt with a new core here in the US for $350....not sure what it would cost to have done in Germany.
 
I think he just used the wrong terminology for the thermal fan switch by saying fan thermostat. Generally the prefered location is the bottom as the hot water enters there , but they can go anywhere.
 
15 years ago in Maryland, $500

having the radiator checked may be a good place to start but many times I have found overheating like described was a head gasket problem.
 
My4dv8 has the flow backwards. Hot water is pumped out of the engine through the top hoses into the upper tank, then flows downward as it cools into the bottom tank and then back into the engine block. This is the same direction as natural thermal siphoning would cause the fluid to flow.

The thermostats should be in the upper hoses with the actuating bulb facing toward the engine (downward). I drill a 1/8" (3mm) hole in the thermostat flange to aid in filling the system and to allow trapped air to escape easily.

If the thermostats are in backwards, they will not work properly. I have the electric fan sensor inserted between the upper fins and the bottom of the upper tank. Works well there.

Good luck with the radiator, it's an expensive part.

Your English is much better than my (non-existent) German.

John
 

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Make sure they don't pressurise it too much when you get it rodded out.. As said it will be $$$ for a new core fitted to your tanks. mine was $850 in Australia and that was a favour should have be $1000 minimum. But your car will love you after..
 
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