The Ford Barn

tiger.1000 · 07-14-2011, 04:10 AM

Before driving my Model B, I top up the radiator. Needless to say when the coolant warms up it expands and then any "excess coolant" escapes from the overflow pipe on to the road.....maybe as much as two or three pints.

When the coolant cools down it then settles to a level somewhere below the top of the radiator. I say "somewhere" because it is impossible to see
exactly where it is. Clearly, next time out one needs to top it up again.

Is this normal ?

Without knowing where the coolant is there is clearly a danger of the engine overheating and resulting damage.

Any thoughts on this ?

1931 flamingo · 07-14-2011, 06:32 AM

Go over to the model A forum and do a search on this subject. Most A's find their own level which ius about where the baffle is, o/flow tube opening should face to the rear. Are you running a t/stat? There are many similarities between an A and a B, just a few differences. Let it seek it's own level and as long as not o/heating you should be good to go. Hope this helps.
Paul in CT

Walt Dupont--Me. · 07-14-2011, 06:36 AM

Get a 3 lb. pressure valve from Skip, it goes on the bottom of the overflow pipe. I used to have the same problem with my Model A with a B engine. Now I never add to my rad. Walt

jimTN · 07-14-2011, 06:52 AM

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Walt is right, I have one of those regs on my 32 v8 and 29 Packard, they work great. You just have to make sure your cap seals well.

07-14-2011, 04:10 AM	#1
tiger.1000 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hertford (UK) Posts: 905	Model B cooling system Before driving my Model B, I top up the radiator. Needless to say when the coolant warms up it expands and then any "excess coolant" escapes from the overflow pipe on to the road.....maybe as much as two or three pints. When the coolant cools down it then settles to a level somewhere below the top of the radiator. I say "somewhere" because it is impossible to see exactly where it is. Clearly, next time out one needs to top it up again. Is this normal ? Without knowing where the coolant is there is clearly a danger of the engine overheating and resulting damage. Any thoughts on this ?

07-14-2011, 06:32 AM	#2
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Model B cooling system Go over to the model A forum and do a search on this subject. Most A's find their own level which ius about where the baffle is, o/flow tube opening should face to the rear. Are you running a t/stat? There are many similarities between an A and a B, just a few differences. Let it seek it's own level and as long as not o/heating you should be good to go. Hope this helps. Paul in CT

07-14-2011, 06:36 AM	#3
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: Model B cooling system Get a 3 lb. pressure valve from Skip, it goes on the bottom of the overflow pipe. I used to have the same problem with my Model A with a B engine. Now I never add to my rad. Walt

07-14-2011, 06:52 AM	#4
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,509	Re: Model B cooling system Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Walt is right, I have one of those regs on my 32 v8 and 29 Packard, they work great. You just have to make sure your cap seals well.