35 ford coolant loss?
 

I have a 1935 Ford 85 Hp v-8. I am at a loss as to why I keep loosing radiator water. I do not see any spillover on floor of garage, nor do I see any steam from tail pipe. All of a sudden I see a high temp on temp gage and I have to add another gallon to radiator. All the time the engine runs like a clock. What do you think ? Bad head gasket? Takes a week or two to present the problem. Any advise or thought would be appreciated. Thanks!

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Jack, Can you please remove radiator cap and take a photo looking into the radiator? With the coolant level down a bit so I can see inside. Seriously!! Thank you.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

You'll get several replies, some saying to run a 4lb check valve etc, but the fact is, Ford used several radiators in 1935 to overcome the very problem you're encountering. I need to see exactly which of these radiators you have before I can comment further. Thank you, Brian

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Hi Everyone. Well, jack99, I'll jump in.

We could really use some more information. What history do you have with the car/engine? Is it a '35 engine? (21 studs, water pumps in heads, for starters) What can you tell us about the cooling system? Does it have thermostats? Photos of the under-hood area would help us.

I've found with my small radiator, very stock '35, which I've been driving since last June, it likes to start a trip with the coolant just below the tubes so you can't see any in the top tank. At the end of a run there will be plenty in there.

Edit to add: I must admit I don't leave home in that car without two gallons extra coolant.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

I did look inside and I could tell that the water pumps were circulating the water after filling the radiator. I hope you are not being rude.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

FYI I am not a half wit .

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Yes it is a 35 engine with 21 studs. Driven the car for several years with no problems. Just asking for advise not insults. Thanks I thought we were all in this together.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

BRIAN. Why do you think you need to post about someone being a nit wit when you have never met them?? Who do you think you are.????

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Where did you get the idea Brain was referring to you as a nit wit? Believe he is attempting to help you by IDing which of several possible radiators you have.

The comment at the bottom of his post is below a line, it is always there on all his post!! Several members have these type of add-ons.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Hey Jack, you come in here with an attitude like that and you're not going to get much help. Brian was NOT referring to you. He is a valuable asset on this forum.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

jack99, I think you are reading Brian's signature post that appears every time he posts, like my Henry Ford quote. His signature post is not directed at you. Brian is a senior member here who spends a lot of his time making many posts to help folks here.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

And a real nice guy in person as well -Karl

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Delet

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Jack, Further to my posts above, I have a service bulletin issued by Ford that shows how to modify a particular radiator to overcome the very problem you are experiencing. I asked you to post a picture in order I may ascertain exactly which radiator you have. I also said you'd get numerous responses to your request. Sorry you seem to think I was making fun of you, regards, Brian
Don't read my signature; it doesn't relate to you.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Brian: Could you post a copy the Ford Service Bulletin?

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

My 35 V8-60 was rebuilt by a flathead specialist here in the UK with a new repro radiator. I have the same problem, no thermostats, runs cool, but uses coolant.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Many years ago I had the same problem. Was advised not to fill to the very top because it leaves no room for expansion and when coolant gets warm and expands it goes out the overflow tube which can start a siphoning of the coolant. Worked for me.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

My 35 fordor was doing the same thing when I first started driving it in 2007. Would puke coolent out the overflow tube when I drove it ~ 45-50 mph for any length of time. I didn't realize it was happening until the engine temperature began reading high. Would usually require 1 gallon or more to fill it back up. When I went with Ship Haney's overflow 3-4 lb pressure valve, this slowed the coolent loss way down. Then when I went with a set of his pumps the engine ran cooler and this also helped reduce the loss. When I replaced the 4.11 gears with 3.78's this helped slow the engine rpm at highway speeds and further reduced coolent loss, and now with 3.54 gears, I can cruise all day long at 60-65mph and not even worry about coolent loss any more. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

It's poor advise not putting the full 22 quarts in the system. This alone causes
elevated temperatures. The system requires VERY little room for expansion
below 205 degrees. Coolant is not siphoned out the over flow tube, it is
pushed or just natural over flow from coolant backing up in the tank. The problem was solved in the middle 40's when Ford installed a 4 lb pressure
cap. You don't see many posts about the later years losing coolant. G.M.

Re: 35 ford coolant loss?
 

Bad head gasket..happend to me with the exact same symptoms.Do a check for combustion gases in the radiator,a simple test kit you can get from napa will suffice.pull the dipstick look at the oil color,is it a chocolate milkshake color? drain the oil and see if there is water there.