13T - New radiator preparation

[Darin Hull]

Hello,

I have ordered a new radiator from Brassworks. I want to ensure this beautiful and critical component of the Model T has any preparation completed necessary to ensure its long life. Obviously, I’m concerned about rust or debris in the block which could be an issue.

I searched previous threads and ran across this one:

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/41 ... 1412860876

It mentioned to plug up the inlet/outlet and clean the water jackets with CLR. Is that sound advice and are there any other suggestions? I’ve also read a suggestion to use vinegar.

Not here to start up a debate but does everyone pretty much use modern antifreeze 50/50 mixture?

Thank you for your time,
Darin

[Darin Hull]

Has anyone used CLR to clean out rust from a Model T engine block? I just saw this on CLR’s website.

Darin

[Scott_Conger]

Darin

I'd leave well enough alone. If you do run into trouble, you might (might) be better off pulling the head, letting things dry very well and run a speedo cable on a drill through the jacket.

Keep that new radiator away from chemicals!!

Most run premixed coolant, but be aware that it will stain your brass in a New York Second if it gets on it, so be sure you know where the coolant level wants to be in it before you burp it and make a real mess. I run 50/50 in my '13 with zero problems, but I keep the coolant on the low side and no longer polish the brass, so it is a moot point for me anyway.

We need to see pictures!

[Dan B]

One thing I have done in the past is to stick a garden hose in neck of the radiator and disconnect the water tube hose at the bottom of the radiator. I let the water run through the water jacket and end up getting out a lot of loose stuff and rusty sludge. It makes a real mess! But it may be worth doing before you remove your old radiator and put on the new one.

Alternatively, you can disconnect the radiator completely and run the water straight into the water outlet at the top of the engine and out the inlet at the bottom.

I agree with Scott that I would not use any chemicals. I would be satisfied with getting the loose stuff out.

[John kuehn]

You mentioned that you’ve got a new radiator from Brassworks. Is this for a restoration or you replacing your old radiator because of overheating issues.

If it’s not a recent rebuild on the engine it could have rust and the water passageways have gotten rusted up and narrowed.

Hope it’s not any overheating issues but if it is the only sure way to remove any rust build up is to pull the head and clean out the water passageways in the block and head. Might not be a to much to do if you’ve spent the money on a new Brassworks radiator.
Useing a 1/4“ drill carefully in the small holes in the head and block can make a real difference and using an old speedometer cable in the larger passageways can really clean things up.

[AZTerry]

I have used thermocure with great success. You drain the cooling system and fill it with fresh water and thermocure. You run and/or drive the car as I recall for at least four hours. This time can be over several days which I have done. It seems to put the rust into suspension. You drain and flush the cooling system with fresh water until it runs clear. Then refill with distilled water and coolant. I have been very happy with the results on two vehicles.

https://evapo-rust.com/thermocure/

[Scott_Conger]

Darin

what ever you chose to do...do it with the old radiator in place and not the new one...reflecting my earlier comment about your new radiator.

[Steve Jelf]

I would not use ready-mixed 50/50 coolant simply because it's more expensive than buying the straight stuff and mixing in my own distilled water. (Distilled because you don't want to add minerals.) Antifreeze does not just discolor brass. It etches (dissolves) the surface. So if you spill any on your brass, be sure you wipe it dry right away. In addition to reaming out coolant passages with a frayed cable and a drill, some like to give the cooling system a good soak with vinegar (it's cheap) and then flushing.

Here's one way of flushing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ3nkPm87X0

[PAdey]

Some may cringe at this but..... With a new brass radiator it is a great time to do a clear coat on it. I did this on all my brass on my '14 about 2 years ago. I love brass cars and I like it to shine. I used Everbrite ProtectaClear (everbritecoatings.com). It handles the high temps just fine and (so far) it has been very resilient. You do have to deep clean and polish everything really well with non-acid polish first (I removed all brass from the car and did this in pieces). The great thing about this product is it is easily removed with Xylol (unlike lacquer which yellows, can not take the radiator heat and is a bear to remove). Anyway it was a work saver for me...

[George N Lake Ozark]

If you want to use a vinegar soak go to lowes or HomeDepot and get 30% cleaning vinegar , the stuff from the grocery isn't strong enough at 5%.

[Darin Hull]

Decided to start off with Evaporust after talking to the manufacturer. Seems it is a mild initial approach. I’ll let you guys know how it goes... going to let it soak for about 12 hours and see what it looks like after it is flushed out.

[Darin Hull]

To clarify, there is no radiator connected to the T. This is just for the water jackets in the block. It took just under a gallon to get the level where I needed it. I’ll flush it with water after the soak and might use pressure as some have suggested.

Hoping this will not only assist with cooling but with get rid of a lot of rust and debris I don’t want floating into a new radiator. I’m sure it won’t get all of it but hopefully it vastly improves the situation.

Darin

[Darin Hull]

Terry,

I looked into thermocure and saw it is for a functioning system and requires heat/circulation to be used properly. The manufacturer told me evaporust was the product they recommended for my situation of simply soaking a block without heat/circulation.

Darin

[Darin Hull]

John, this is preparation for a brand new radiator as the old one has crossed over the line of being in rough condition.

Scott, here the pic of the old radiator.

Darin

[Darin Hull]

Is this correctly setup? If not, can someone please post a pic of this same area so I can ensure I have the correct support for the radiator when it comes time to mount it?

I look forward to when Model T events start back up so I can attend to see other Ts in person and learn that way.

Thank you for your time,
Darin