Radiator and crank guide question
 

Help please. I pulled my radiator for installing a new pulley and found the guide for the hand crank broken. The entire top was missing. I bought a repro and installed it but then the bottom of the radiator hit the guide. The radiator is the pressurized type with a heat exchanger in the bottom for cooling automatic transmission fluid. (My 1930 sedan is mostly stock.) I had to modify the bottom of the repo guide by reducing the diameter of the little pins to fit the frame. It is slightly thicker by about 1/16 inch. The interference with the radiator was about 1/4 to 3/8 inch.

I had to put the broken crank guide back in to re install the radiator.

From the pictures on the internet, the normal radiator (not pressurized) looks similar to mine with the flat bottom, but it could be that it doesn't extend down as much. I have the rubber pads and have installed the radiator correctly.

What is going on here?

Re: Radiator and crank guide question
 

I don't mean to hector you but the Barn has repeated posts wherein members have had difficulties dealing with non-authentic modifications to these cars. Members say there are fine repro radiators out there....why guild the lily with your radiator alternative?

Re: Radiator and crank guide question
 

Chances are you installed the radiator correctly. I am guessing that your radiator is not near stock dimensions.

You have to ask, why was the guide broken to begin with? Did someone brake it installing a non stock radiator?

I have installed many stock and BERG radiators over the years and have not had issues with the bottom of the radiator and the crank bearing.

Re: Radiator and crank guide question
 

In answer to Eric, Indeed, why would someone put this type of radiator on the car. I am planning on replacing it with the stock type when I can afford it. It came with the car.

In answer to Old31, I have no idea why the part was broken in the first place. It is the original part. It may have been broken on purpose when whoever put the non-stock radiator in. It does not look like it was cut.

I am guessing that the stock type radiator is different but was hoping someone out there could answer that question.

Re: Radiator and crank guide question
 

That's unfortunate. I'm guessing the person who installed the pressurized radiator modified the crank guide with a hammer. Since you plan on going back to stock and will fix it then just keep your battery charged up and you hopefully will not have a need to use the crank.