Running Hot

Pete / MA

Pete / MA

Senior Member
Since the weather warmed up here in the northeast my truck is running in the red, 190*+ after only about 2 miles @ 35-40 mph.
I took out my t-stat and gave it the vinegar treatment for about a week and did a good back flush. System is (was) pretty clean.
The radiator I'm using appears to be a re-core and won't pass the 4 second drain test (8-10 sec.) although it works fine when air temps are below 65*. It appears that the operating temperature runs about 110*-115* warmer than the ambient air temp.
I'm considering a new radiator.
I have a 130A Deluxe Delivery and looking at a 10 fin, 3 core Brassworks.
Any advice?


Thanks.......Pete
 
Do a search=radiator. Berg's is the one most recommend, also search brassworks.. Have you considered recoring yours??
Paul in CT
 
I am running a brass works pressurized radiator with 4 psi cap and an over flow bottle and schroud around 6 blade plastic fan . 96 degress F here in Texas running 55mph with AC on temp guage shows 195.No thermostate.
 
Pete save yourself some time and headaches. I chased a cooling problem for over a year. It would stay cool as long as the outside temps stayed below 80 degrees but anything above that and it would overheat. It turned out that I had an older replacement radiator that only had 2 cores. I installed an original 3 core and it solved all my ills. I ordered a replacement from Gery over at Bergs and could not be happier with it. It fit like a champ and the radiator shell lined up perfectly. We probably as a club have at least 6 of their radiators we have installed in the last 2 years.
Bergs Radiators
 
Pete, There is a radiator shop in Natick that might be good to visit. The owner has dealt with many Model A radiators and helped me out with mine about a year ago while I was on the road. He also has an endoscopy camera he uses to check out what is happening IN the actual radiator in terms of clogged tubes. I will be following this thread as I know I will eventually be replacing the radiator on mine. Good luck.
 
Hi Pete,

FWIW:

When I bought my last Model A, the radiator looked like it had several coats of black enamel everywhere. Only drove it for about 10 miles before beginning restoration; however, did not monitor coolant temperature prior to removing the enamel painted radiator.

Next, removed all radiator black enamel which required about (3) applications of paint remover, front & back -- finally got it all off.

Then painted radiator top & bottom tanks & fins & tubes with (1) coat of Eastwood's very thin black rattle can paint. It dried very fast.

Salesman gentleman at Eastwood said several customers with old vintage vehicles with enamel paint on radiators call back to report a big difference in coolant temperature after having just a thin coat of Eastwood's paint on the radiator as opposed to the former enamel paint.

Would be interesting if someone would share one's "hands-on" experience & information on his/her "before & after" coolant temperatures after removing enamel on radiator fins & tubes and applying a radiator paint manufacturer's thin radiator paint.

Maybe call Eastwood to ask for the radiator paint manufacturer's phone number & ask for their technical department -- these technicians usually have recorded data on manufacturer's products which may assist in your case.

Just trying to help with your dilema -- let us know what you find -- a 1-800 call & a can of paint remover & radiator paint is less expensive than a new radiator.
 
Hi Pete,

Might add:

In thinking "out-side" of the box. or rather, "out-side" of the radiator:

1. A radiator with a film of crud/grease "in-side" does not allow heat transfer through the in-side metal surface areas of the radiator "tubes"; (Maybe try radiator Flush, Drano, Joy Liquid, Vinegar, Rodded-out or whatever), however,

2. Likewise, a radiator with a film of thick "enamel" on the "out-side" does not allow heat transfer through the out-side metal surface areas of the radiator "tubes" ............ (just tubes ??????), and;

3. Furthermore, in addition to tubes, a radiator with a film of thick enamel on the "out-side" does not allow heat transfer through the "much larger metal surface areas of the out-side radiator fins".

Maybe you don't have a heavily, enamel painted radiator, & this information may not help, but if it helps just one Model A owner, it may be worth taking the time to write about & sharing same.
 
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The radiator I have in the truck now is a 2 row flat tube that appears to be a re-core. I think it just doesn't have enough capacity. I plan to give Bergs a call this week.
Thanks again for your help...........Pete
 
My 29 Tudor had a 2 row aftermarket radiator when I bought the car. A 2 row flat tube core isn't enough flow capacity for the Model A. I had to add a couple quarts every time I drove 10 miles.
 
Two rows don't have enough surface area for adequate heat exchange. Heat exchange is a simple math formula. Area X temperature differential X U-factor.

Area in sq.Ft.
Diff between air and radiator water temps
U is the Ability to flow heat (reciprical to R-Factor)

You say your temp is running about 115 degrees F above ambient, so your temp difference number is 115. Your ten fin three row has about twice the area as your two row. So, you can see with the simple math it should transfer twice the heat. Assuming that both radiators are clean and not clogged.

Conclusion, when trying to get rid of heat more (bigger) area in a radiator is always better.
 
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Snyder's has a 3 row 6 fin per inch for 530.00 dollars. Has anyone tried one of these , and if so how do they work.
 
A couple years ago I needed a new radiator & called Brassworks. I got the 10 fpi pressurized unit. It worked well in the Texas summer heat. But then we started cleaning out my grandparent's shop, and I didn't know what to do with the old radiator I took off. I figured I'd be able to only get $100 for it. So I decided I'd sell the Brassworks to my friend who needed a radiator ASAP, and then I took that money and had my old one recored with a 3 row pressurized VT Core. It works well also.
 
Running Hot UPDATE

Well, I bit the bullet and got one of Bergs new HD radiators for my truck. I'm very happy with the performance and fit and the Gery's workmanship is top notch. I installed it and filled it with 50/50 and took it for a good run of about 20 miles today (temps in the 80's) and my gauge stayed in the green.

Thank you all for your feedback and pointing me towards Bergs.

Pete
 

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