The Ford Barn

Forder · 09-12-2017, 09:50 PM

I have a 1932 Pickup with a model B. I have a problem. When I first got the pickup I topped off the radiator right up to below the radiator cap. I learned quickly that was a mistake as it started squirting it out the radiator cap after it warmed up. After awhile it quit doing that, however now it pumps it out the overflow tube. I have driven this everyday for two months, everyday I have a antifreeze puddle on my garage floor the size of a silver dollar. I have a laser temperature gun, here is what I found:

Radiator top tank 131
Radiator fins 135
Radiator bottom tank 130
block 171
head 170
head around the spark plugs 180
Water inlet/outlet down by the starter 152
cylinder walls 182
water pump 157

So its not running hot. I don't know why its pushing out antifreeze. Surely after 2 months of being driven everyday it can't have too much in it. With the stock radiator the inside of the radiator is covered, so I can't see in there to determine how much is actually in there. I checked my oil to see if by chance I had a cracked block and its a brownish just like it is supposed to be. Any ideas how to fix my problem ?

redmodelt · 09-12-2017, 10:41 PM

The water level just needs to be to the bottom of the baffle. Any more then that it will push the water out the cap or overflow tube. Most baffles are shaped in a V with the bottom of the V under the opening, just fill till you can see water in the bottom of the V. Also check for leaks, radiator or hoses.

my4dv8 · 09-13-2017, 04:06 AM

I think as above you have answered your own question, By your testing it does not run hot, so simply let the water spill out to a level your pickup is happy at and note that level. Then enjoy the drive , meanwhile keeping an eye on the gauge and to be sure the level in the top tank is the same.

jimTN · 09-13-2017, 07:16 AM

I would suggest putting a thermostat in the top hose.

Pat/Ohio · 09-13-2017, 07:23 AM

My Model B roadster did the same thing. The motor didn't run hot so I didn't worry too much about it. I did run my overflow hose into a gallon antifreeze plastic container...which rested on the driver's side engine pan. Every once in a while I would pour the contents back into the radiator. Worked for me! Pat

tiger.1000 · 09-13-2017, 07:56 AM

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Forder,

Had a similar issue with my UK RHD 32 B Cabriolet. Made a sight glass; fitting substitutes the rear water pump bolt....a bit of pipework which returns to the top of the radiator.

If the coolant is above the water pump, you're good to go !

Havn't topped it up in 4 years !

DavidG · 09-13-2017, 11:40 AM

Having had at least my fair share of Model B's, I think that the advice of my4dv8 above is the ticket. It will not suddenly run hot when it finally decides just how much coolant it needs without overflowing.

Bored&Stroked · 09-15-2017, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiger.1000

Forder,

Had a similar issue with my UK RHD 32 B Cabriolet. Made a sight glass; fitting substitutes the rear water pump bolt....a bit of pipework which returns to the top of the radiator.

If the coolant is above the water pump, you're good to go !

Havn't topped it up in 4 years !

Just wanted to compliment you on the sight glass setup and the overall nice detailing on your engine. Very nice work!

B&S

tiger.1000 · 09-16-2017, 03:12 AM

B and S....Thank you !

David

Forder · 09-20-2017, 08:50 AM

Thanks for all the advice.

09-12-2017, 09:50 PM	#1
Forder Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 298	1932 Model B radiator issue I have a 1932 Pickup with a model B. I have a problem. When I first got the pickup I topped off the radiator right up to below the radiator cap. I learned quickly that was a mistake as it started squirting it out the radiator cap after it warmed up. After awhile it quit doing that, however now it pumps it out the overflow tube. I have driven this everyday for two months, everyday I have a antifreeze puddle on my garage floor the size of a silver dollar. I have a laser temperature gun, here is what I found: Radiator top tank 131 Radiator fins 135 Radiator bottom tank 130 block 171 head 170 head around the spark plugs 180 Water inlet/outlet down by the starter 152 cylinder walls 182 water pump 157 So its not running hot. I don't know why its pushing out antifreeze. Surely after 2 months of being driven everyday it can't have too much in it. With the stock radiator the inside of the radiator is covered, so I can't see in there to determine how much is actually in there. I checked my oil to see if by chance I had a cracked block and its a brownish just like it is supposed to be. Any ideas how to fix my problem ?

09-12-2017, 10:41 PM	#2
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: 1932 Model B radiator issue The water level just needs to be to the bottom of the baffle. Any more then that it will push the water out the cap or overflow tube. Most baffles are shaped in a V with the bottom of the V under the opening, just fill till you can see water in the bottom of the V. Also check for leaks, radiator or hoses. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

09-13-2017, 04:06 AM	#3
my4dv8 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,111	Re: 1932 Model B radiator issue I think as above you have answered your own question, By your testing it does not run hot, so simply let the water spill out to a level your pickup is happy at and note that level. Then enjoy the drive , meanwhile keeping an eye on the gauge and to be sure the level in the top tank is the same.

09-13-2017, 07:16 AM	#4
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,509	Re: 1932 Model B radiator issue I would suggest putting a thermostat in the top hose.

09-13-2017, 07:23 AM	#5
Pat/Ohio Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wilmington, OH/Lakeland, FL Posts: 951	Re: 1932 Model B radiator issue My Model B roadster did the same thing. The motor didn't run hot so I didn't worry too much about it. I did run my overflow hose into a gallon antifreeze plastic container...which rested on the driver's side engine pan. Every once in a while I would pour the contents back into the radiator. Worked for me! Pat

09-13-2017, 11:40 AM	#7
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: 1932 Model B radiator issue Having had at least my fair share of Model B's, I think that the advice of my4dv8 above is the ticket. It will not suddenly run hot when it finally decides just how much coolant it needs without overflowing.

09-16-2017, 03:12 AM	#9
tiger.1000 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hertford (UK) Posts: 905	Re: 1932 Model B radiator issue B and S....Thank you ! David

09-20-2017, 08:50 AM	#10
Forder Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 298	Re: 1932 Model B radiator issue Thanks for all the advice.