My 1919 has been overheating and leaking from radiator seams.
Today, I soldered-up some suspicious areas on the top tank, and then discovered that the overflow line from the top tank, overboard, was totally clogged.
Would that cause the overheating, and the leaking?
The radiator is in great condition.
I've cleared it, but it will be awhile before I can take a long test-run.
Wodda ya think?
Bob,
If your cap is sealed and your overflow is plugged then it could build up excessive pressure and cause leaks. As long as the level is over the core the plugged overflow should not cause it to overheat.
Based on your location you should not use more then about 20% antifreeze. If you use a 50/50 mix that by itself can cause it to over heat.
Jim
If you had a good enough seal on the cap,it could build up steam pressure and that wouldn't be a good thing.
Thanks Jim; I use 'Water Wetter' but in So. Calif., I don't use any anti-freeze. The motometer blew off once, and I needed to get a new one as it was all busted-up on the street. In the past it has run cool.
Jack; So, the pressure is indeed bad, right?
Thanks guys
Without anti freeze you have no protection against corrosion. Your radiator and block will become clogged with massive amounts of corrosion.
Blastard mud wasps
"Jack; So, the pressure is indeed bad, right?"
Yes Bob. Model T radiators operate un-pressurised.
(atmospheric pressure)
You mentioned your radiator is in great condition. Is it a original radiator, older recore or ?
Your engine's water jacket could be full of rust and partially clogged.
I am one of those guys that didn't have much luck cleaning radiators and hoping that would help my heating problem. It would cool fairly well but 30 min or so it boil over and smoke etc.
I found another one that 'looked good' but that's all it turned out to be.
I hope you have better luck than I did.
It cost me around 750.00 for a new Bergs but what a difference a new radiator made.