The Ford Barn

KNicholas2 · 04-21-2021, 08:39 PM

After only a few hours of driving my ‘32 coupe I find that the water level in the radiator is significantly low.
I have checked the oil - no water in the oil.
There is no water/antifreeze on the shop floor.
There is no visible steam or boil over.
What am I missing ?

Thank you

Synchro909 · 04-21-2021, 08:51 PM

These monsters throw out any water that they don't need. To the new owner, the level might seem low but so long as the tubes are covered, all is good. Put in any more water than that and it will be thrown out as the motor warms up.
Hope that helps.

KNicholas2 · 04-21-2021, 09:37 PM

But how “low” can I allow the level to get below I get concerned?
It takes about a quart of water and I cannot visualize the top of the liquid in the radiator.

J Franklin · 04-21-2021, 09:55 PM

What is blocking your view of the tubes?

Bruce of MN · 04-22-2021, 04:43 AM

Even with the level below the baffle, since it is a vented system, some will evaporate and leave via the overflow tube. We need to keep an eye on it and "top it up" as needed. I certainly am spoiled by modern cars that are closed systems and are almost maintenance-free.

eagle · 04-22-2021, 05:53 AM

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If you want to, you can push a hose onto the overflow tube and then hang a jug in the engine compartment, run the hose into it, to the bottom of the jug. The overflow will be captured, and then as the engine cools it will suck it back in. Make sure your radiator cap is sealed. If not put a gasket in it. This isnt necessary, as the A normally runs a quart or more low but its a troubleshooting tool or peace of mind thing.

Big hammer · 04-22-2021, 06:28 AM

50 + years ago when I was a new owner I thought my A was overheating, NO it was me a new owner over filling the radiator ! Coolant level just below the baffle, IF your loosing coolant out of the overflow you could put an roofing nail in the tube under the radiator cap as suggested by R.I.P. Bill Williamson !

McMimmcs · 04-22-2021, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big hammer

50 + years ago when I was a new owner I thought my A was overheating, NO it was me a new owner over filling the radiator ! Coolant level just below the baffle, IF your loosing coolant out of the overflow you could put an roofing nail in the tube under the radiator cap as suggested by R.I.P. Bill Williamson !

Gone but not forgotten !

KNicholas2 · 04-22-2021, 11:30 AM

Thank you everyone!
I guess I am so used to a closed system, that I was not expecting so much evaporation. For now I will stop worrying about it and just monitor.

katy · 04-22-2021, 11:59 AM

As the coolant (water) heats up it expands and the excess goes out the overflow tube.

nkaminar · 04-22-2021, 01:39 PM

Carry some coolant with you and if the car overheats and produces steam you can add some after it cools down enough to stop boiling. This will give you some peace of mind. If it is not overheating then don't worry. If you are out in the middle of nowhere without any coolant or water to add to the radiator, you can always piss in it.

Chuck Sea/Tac · 04-22-2021, 06:13 PM

I run enough below the baffle, that when shaking the car side to side, it barely can be seen coming over the baffle.

DNLs1930 · 04-22-2021, 09:22 PM

There may be a "Gatorade" bottle visible in the picture that is attached to my overflow tube

.

We have dogs so as many know; antifreeze and dogs do not mix...
I am looking for one of the "tool boxes" that fits in front of the radiator between the fenders so I can mount a real overflow in that space. If anyone has one please let me know...

Bob Bidonde · 04-23-2021, 06:44 AM

1930 - 1932 radiators are very similar.

Big hammer · 04-23-2021, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DNLs1930

There may be a "Gatorade" bottle visible in the picture that is attached to my overflow tube

.

We have dogs so as many know; antifreeze and dogs do not mix...
I am looking for one of the "tool boxes" that fits in front of the radiator between the fenders so I can mount a real overflow in that space. If anyone has one please let me know...

I appreciate your concerns with animals and antifreeze!! Running with the level just below the baffle and or with Bill W trick, roofing nail in the overflow tube under the radiator cap should keep the antifreeze in your radiators.
Can you install a 1 1/4 pipe along your radiator where the overflow lives? White PVC could be painted black, install a drain valve in the bottom.

Dean Lemoine · 04-23-2021, 09:02 AM

I made a “sight glass” out of clear tubing. It’s connected to the drain valve and runs along the side of the radiator shell. The water level stabilized about an inch and a half above the radiator tubes. I haven’t added water/antifreeze in about 3000 miles. This is on a ‘29, not sure about the setup a ‘32

Dean Lemoine · 04-23-2021, 09:10 AM

Sorry, I forgot to attach a picture

nkaminar · 04-23-2021, 10:01 AM

Dean, neat idea. Thanks.

Y-Blockhead · 05-03-2021, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Lemoine

I made a “sight glass” out of clear tubing. It’s connected to the drain valve and runs along the side of the radiator shell. The water level stabilized about an inch and a half above the radiator tubes. I haven’t added water/antifreeze in about 3000 miles. This is on a ‘29, not sure about the setup a ‘32

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Dean, neat idea. Thanks.

Overkill on my part but a few months ago with nothing to do I fabbed up this little sight glass for my radiator. Tried to make it a little "Steam Punk". Have yet to install tho. Just thought I would share.

Gene F · 05-03-2021, 07:55 PM

Rig up a plastic bottle to catch the overflow. Put it back in, and the level should be about the same. If not it's a crack, or a head gasket. (out the tailpipe in water vapor).

04-21-2021, 08:39 PM	#1
KNicholas2 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 21	Where is the water going? After only a few hours of driving my ‘32 coupe I find that the water level in the radiator is significantly low. I have checked the oil - no water in the oil. There is no water/antifreeze on the shop floor. There is no visible steam or boil over. What am I missing ? Thank you

04-21-2021, 08:51 PM	#2
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,495	Re: Where is the water going? These monsters throw out any water that they don't need. To the new owner, the level might seem low but so long as the tubes are covered, all is good. Put in any more water than that and it will be thrown out as the motor warms up. Hope that helps. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

04-21-2021, 09:37 PM	#3
KNicholas2 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 21	Re: Where is the water going? But how “low” can I allow the level to get below I get concerned? It takes about a quart of water and I cannot visualize the top of the liquid in the radiator.

04-21-2021, 09:55 PM	#4
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,959	Re: Where is the water going? What is blocking your view of the tubes?

04-22-2021, 04:43 AM	#5
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,410	Re: Where is the water going? Even with the level below the baffle, since it is a vented system, some will evaporate and leave via the overflow tube. We need to keep an eye on it and "top it up" as needed. I certainly am spoiled by modern cars that are closed systems and are almost maintenance-free.

04-22-2021, 05:53 AM	#6
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Where is the water going? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If you want to, you can push a hose onto the overflow tube and then hang a jug in the engine compartment, run the hose into it, to the bottom of the jug. The overflow will be captured, and then as the engine cools it will suck it back in. Make sure your radiator cap is sealed. If not put a gasket in it. This isnt necessary, as the A normally runs a quart or more low but its a troubleshooting tool or peace of mind thing. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

04-22-2021, 06:28 AM	#7
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,127	Re: Where is the water going? 50 + years ago when I was a new owner I thought my A was overheating, NO it was me a new owner over filling the radiator ! Coolant level just below the baffle, IF your loosing coolant out of the overflow you could put an roofing nail in the tube under the radiator cap as suggested by R.I.P. Bill Williamson ! __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

04-22-2021, 11:30 AM	#9
KNicholas2 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 21	Re: Where is the water going? Thank you everyone! I guess I am so used to a closed system, that I was not expecting so much evaporation. For now I will stop worrying about it and just monitor.

04-22-2021, 11:59 AM	#10
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,042	Re: Where is the water going? As the coolant (water) heats up it expands and the excess goes out the overflow tube. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

04-22-2021, 01:39 PM	#11
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,893	Re: Where is the water going? Carry some coolant with you and if the car overheats and produces steam you can add some after it cools down enough to stop boiling. This will give you some peace of mind. If it is not overheating then don't worry. If you are out in the middle of nowhere without any coolant or water to add to the radiator, you can always piss in it. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

04-22-2021, 06:13 PM	#12
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,354	Re: Where is the water going? I run enough below the baffle, that when shaking the car side to side, it barely can be seen coming over the baffle.

04-23-2021, 09:02 AM	#16
Dean Lemoine Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Dahlonega, Ga Posts: 251	Re: Where is the water going? I made a “sight glass” out of clear tubing. It’s connected to the drain valve and runs along the side of the radiator shell. The water level stabilized about an inch and a half above the radiator tubes. I haven’t added water/antifreeze in about 3000 miles. This is on a ‘29, not sure about the setup a ‘32

04-23-2021, 10:01 AM	#18
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,893	Re: Where is the water going? Dean, neat idea. Thanks. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-03-2021, 07:55 PM	#20
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,954	Re: Where is the water going? Rig up a plastic bottle to catch the overflow. Put it back in, and the level should be about the same. If not it's a crack, or a head gasket. (out the tailpipe in water vapor).

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