1951 8BA Cooling Capacity

[JLford]

Hi everyone,

I recently replaced the heater core in my 1951 Ford Victoria.

The green bible says my engine should accommodate 5 gallons of coolant, yet I was only able to fill it with just shy of 4 gallons.

The heater control valve is functioning, and the thermostats didn’t show signs of failure prior to the heater core replacement. Has anyone else encountered this capacity discrepancy?

Thanks!

[leon bee]

I can get a little more than 5 gallons in each of mine. Is your rig all stock?

[rotorwrench]

When you drain the cooling system, there can be coolant that remains undrained.

[Ross F-1]

My truck (with Car heater) lists at 22 qts, I've never gotten more than 18 - 19 in, even with a dry block (after rebuild).

[40cpe]

Maybe it is the radiator differences among different applications. My '38 has a stock type 4 row radiator and I put over 5 gallons in it when installed after the build. I think the upper tank on these radiators could easily hold 2+ qts.

[Ronnieroadster]

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Originally Posted by rotorwrench

When you drain the cooling system, there can be coolant that remains undrained.

On the 8BA thats a fact plenty of coolant remains in the bottom of the block on both sides. Unlike the 59A and earlier blocks that have the drain valve on the lower pan rail of the block which allows all of the coolant to drain out. The 8BA will not drain all the coolant unless the water pumps are removed and the small hole located near the bottom on the face of the block is cleaned out then the block will drain all the way. Many 8BA blocks can be found with cracked pan rails caused when the water froze that remained in the block after the water pump hose was removed.
Ronnieroadster

[Ross F-1]

Originally Posted by Ronnieroadster

On the 8BA thats a fact plenty of coolant remains in the bottom of the block on both sides. Unlike the 59A and earlier blocks that have the drain valve on the lower pan rail of the block which allows all of the coolant to drain out. The 8BA will not drain all the coolant unless the water pumps are removed and the small hole located near the bottom on the face of the block is cleaned out then the block will drain all the way. Many 8BA blocks can be found with cracked pan rails caused when the water froze that remained in the block after the water pump hose was removed.
Ronnieroadster

Even with the pumps out, with the engine in the frame, the 3° slope to the rear keeps some at the back. Need to lower the front to get it all.