Re: Over heating 1936 120

Posted by Packard Newbie On 2023/11/10 18:33:52

Hi Marty,
Good points by all responders. I think the point(s) here is that overheating can be one issue or a combination of cooling shortcomings that can lead to the wrong end of the temp gauge. Kevin mentions 'water pump clearance' and this is, in my opinion, an oft-overlooked possibility when troubleshooting overheating. These pumps are very old and have likely been through the reuild process more than once. As corrosion and wear eat away at the 'innards' of the pump, the clearances can become past tolerance specs and while the pump doesn't leak and pumps water, the volume it pumps is inadequate to cool the engine, especially in hot weather. Not sure about the '37, but I know the '39 pumps have been re-proed and they are quite reasonably priced. Also, I am a firm believer in rebuilt rads. Additives and flushing can help with an old rad, but that doesn't come close to the benefits of a fresh recore and the descaliing of upper and lower tanks that come with a radiator service. Rad shops are getting scarce these days as they don't rebuild car rads anymore, but there are still quite a few truck rad guys out there that will be able to help. Not cheap, though.
Chris.