Foaming Antifreeze
 

I was helping a new Model A enthusiast check out a Tudor that is for sale. When we came back from a 2 -3 mile test drive, foam was coming out the radiator overflow. Removed radiator cap to see LOTS of foam.

Mid 1980's restoration with only 500 (approx) miles since. Don't know level of coolant in radiator before test drive (seller said he had not added water in "a couple years" and did not know what type of antifreeze was used.). No temp gauge or motometer to tell temperature. Oil dipstick did not show milky or frothy oil, nor did breather tube.

What might be causing this? Is this a serious concern for a buyer that wants to buy a ready to drive car?

Thanks in advance. Peace

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

I had Prestone antifreeze for a while in one of my "A's" years ago and it would foam up too. I switched to the Sierra brand antifreeze and no more foaming. Sierra is more ecological friendly and is even green in color.:eek:

However, for a car that sounds like it has not been driven for a few years.
I'm sure there are more reasons why it is foaming then just the type of antifreeze in it. The whole coolent system needs a thorough cleaning
most likely.:)

Bob-A:D

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

Sometimes it can be antifreeze but generally that indicates there is combustion gasses entering the cooling system. Cracked head, blown/loose head gasket, cracked block? If I had the opportunity, I would drain all of the coolant and add straight water and go make the drive again and see if you still see bubbles.

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

I've experience foaming after driving at sustained high speed, which I cured by adding a capful of the anti-foaming stuff that they sell by those carpet cleaning machines that you can rent at a supermarket. I believe I have Prestone antifreeze in the radiator. How fast did you go on your test drive? If it was a fairly short drive at 30-35 mph, I would suspect as Brent suggested that there might be something else going on.

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

Very simple for owner to drain antifreeze, flush and refill with water. If it is still foaming with just water then there is a problem.

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

I also don't think it is the antifreeze causing it. I never have any problem with antifreeze. Bill

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

My Allis WD and Model A both have non pressure radiators and I've also never had a foaming problem with 50% antifreeze.

Could the water pump be sucking air past the seal?
I use lead packing rings with grease smeared on them and it seals perfectly.

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

Grease pumped into cooling system from over greasing the rear bushing on the water pump can make foam.

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

Is this from soap-based greases -or synthetics too??

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

Ours foamed up with antifreeze when the radiator was blocked. We had it cleaned out, added the same brand of antifreeze (generic stuff) and it's been fine ever since.

It could be worth using Toms Vinegar trick on it.

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

Must be from soap based greases because I've never used synchetics.

Re: Foaming Antifreeze
 

Had one Midel A and one flathead V8 that foamed. Pulled heads, flushed system nothing solved the problem. A little Rug Doctor anti foam, problem solved. Thousands of miles absolutely to problems. Don't add water oil stays clean. I don't know why they foamed. Some one on here said it was just masking a big problem, may be, but many miles and years have passed and they function well.