Re: 1934 1104 running hot

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/7/8 7:03:57

The Sylphon thermostat (in the top radiator tank) only operates the Pines winterfront (shutters). In later years Packard used a cylinder head gooseneck thermostat in conjunction with the shutter-stat for winter operation when equipped with hot water heaters, but no such provision for 1934 where many of the cars, if equipped with a heater at all, used a much more effective hot air heater (Kelch heater). The dominant antifreeze at the time was methanol (methyl alcohol) which boiled off at just above 160 degrees, hence the shutter-stat rating. As the changeover to ethylene glycol-based antifreezes became dominant, cylinder head thermostats in higher temperatures came into popularity.

As to radiator chemical cleaners, the only type that can really be effective is the type that contains a chemical agent of the family of "chelators" or "sequentrants" which has the ability to solubilize loose iron oxides. The typical chelator in effective radiator cleaners is oxalic acid, so I would look for this ingredient on the label. This type of cleaner is also distinguished by having a two-part package, the second part being a neutralizer and used in a subsequent step. DuPont offered such a cleaner for decades, perhaps still does, you'll have to shop around a bit. Oxalic acid is not a strong acid and you need not have concern about it's attack on radiators, though prudence says to wear gloves and safety glasses (which should always be done when handling chemicals, even those that are considered relatively safe).