VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Cooling system in the …30

What tips, tricks, and traps can you offer me in the area of the cooling system in a ”˜30 ?

The last time dad’s truck ran it was near overheating. If I’m able to get it started this weekend I want to be ready to handle any issues. I will fill the radiator before starting and leave the cap loose.

Looking for your guidance and encouragement.

First thing would be to probably do away with the thermostat. If you have one.

when running and warmed up check hoses... 1 going into water pump and then the one going to radiator (off top engine) if one hose it HOT and the other one cold/ barely warm then water is not circulating.

Could Flush out radiator forwards and backwards see if it is clogged.

if not clogged and water flushes clearly and freely may need to check that water pump is pumping. if pump is an issue may want to make sure that the baffle plate behind the water pump is installed (actually one there). no baffle most likely no flow or very little. this required pulling the water pump. can be done with out removing engine.but replace gasket as well.

Baffle Plate

One thing I’ve noticed on the last three cars/motors I’ve pulled the water pumps off of is the rotors or vanes are deteriorated so badly that there’s not much left of them to move the water. That also means the distance to the brass plate is way too far. I’ve replaced all those pumps with the BB type from the FS. I bought a spare last month when they had that 50% sale and I’m going to be putting it on the motor I’m currently rebuilding.

i replaced mine with the newer Ball Bearing (BB) type from TFS

I still have the original water pump, if interested, CHEAP :) only issue is the PO broke off a bolt in the pulley so will need to be drilled and tapped out :/ or replace the pulley.

Got dad’s ”˜30 Truck started today and did not have any problems with overheating.

It appears to have an original style water pump, based only on the facts that it has the grease cup and the gaskets, mounting bolts, hoses and clamps look to have significant age.

All hoses were warm to touch so at least there is some flow through the system.

The replacement pump with bearings would be a nice upgrade to make when/if the truck remains in the family.

I found a replacement radiator in the corner of the workshop that might have been on dad’s to-do list before he became to sick to work on his vehicles.

Today was the first time I had driven the truck. Previous I took my place in the passenger seat when dad would bring the truck out for a drive. What an amazing and honored feeling it was to be behind the wheel.

Thanks to all for your replies.

Awesome thanks for the update

keep us informed, glad it did not overheat, but how long did you run it and drive it ??

When the coolant is completely warmed-up the core sould feel equally hot all over. If it isn't the core (and engine) are full of rust.
I WOULD SUGGEST REMOVING THE WATER PUMP and checking the condition of the baffle that fills the opening in the front of the block behind the water pump and then inspecting the water pump impeler while it is visable.

If you have a thermal camera that is the best way to check core of radiator all over.

I used a laser heat gun to check temps all over the radiator, they were all close to the same temp plus or mins a few degrees.

Total time running was about 15 minutes.

Thanks for the additional information on checking the water pump and measuring temps across the system components. I will follow up on these at a later date, and I did find a write-up on Bill Barker’s page about the baffle and pump. Our primary need at this point is the ability to move the truck in/out the workshop as we sort the many items in dad’s collection … and give the place a good cleaning. Dad’s wish was that I keep this truck in the family.

a reasonable request !! i like his style !!