Radiator flow blocked by old grease

S

Super Piasan

New member
I have a '29 4 door unrestored Murray town sedan. I have problems with serious overheating. Have removed the cylinder head and cleaned lots of junk from the block, especially toward the back near #4 cylinder.

Must be a lot of old grease Etc. blocking some of the tubes in the radiator. I don't really want to put in a new radiator because I want to keep the car in an unrestored condition.

Is there anything I can put in the cooling system to dissolve the old grease without ruining the radiator
 
Do a search here. Some use Vinegar and some use other types of stuff yo dissolve the rust and grease. I will use about a half cup of dishwasher soap for the machines, not the foaming stuff/ Simple green has also come up. Lots of comments over this subject. Let us know what you use and the result.
 
First be sure that the timing is set correctly. Retarded timing can cause serious over heating.

If timing is okay pull the radiator, plug the bottom outlet and the overflow tube.
Then add 1 gallon of undiluted Simple Green. Screw on your radiator cap good and tight. Invert the radiator several times a day for a few days to a week or so. You will be surprised at how much gunk comes out.

If that doesn't help you may have to have it cleaned professionally.

Are you positive that your radiator is actually overheating? Many times folks are fooled into thinking that their radiator is overheating just because the radiator is over filled. You only need to have enough water in the radiator to cover the tubes. Filling it too full will cause it to puke out water until it reaches a water level that the car likes.

Get a cheap meat thermometer to check your water temperature.
 
If your the patient type, start with the dishwashing granuales (non foaming) and do a real good flush with it. Drain it and fill it up with 50-50 vinegar and repeat a good flush. You will be shocked when you see the gunk that comes out. This last year I did these two steps over and over until I was certain it was clean. My car was restored in 1991, so the buildup wasnt too bad. You can always get it pro flushed and save a lot of time, I like to save money and I actually enjoy discovering what tricks might work and learn from it. Our Barn group have saved me tons of money and Ive chatted some super people who have helped me have fun with my car. Good luck and enjoy you pc of American history!
 
Don't be surprised if your radiator starts leaking after an aggressive cleaning! Also, the "old grease" might actually be old 'stop leak'.
 
Cascade works wonders on grease in the radiator system I understand.
Do a search and you will find a detailed thread on here.
 
If you do put on a new radiator, and I'm pretty sure that is where you will end up, be sure to put an old sock in the radiator inlet to catch the junk flowing around in there. If you don't, your new, small tube radiator will just be a filter and plug up also. I have several videos on youtube about the cooling system. Just search for jackbahm and you will find more than you need. jack
 
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