Blowing Upper Radiator Hose Off?

rambos_ride

Keep blowing the Upper radiator hose right off the rad...Air Pocket or Plugged Up?

I'll flush it out tomorrow..just wondering what you all think?

[Deleted User]

Does it look like the thermostat is opening? how about if you pull the hoses pour water in the top how quick does it drain out the bottom? looking at your pics that radiator is woefully undersized my buddy put a 70's Dodge van radiator in his 53 works like a charm and it was cheap. Of course since I also own a 51 that I have driven coast to coast I know you have a great car. Couple of adjustments and you will be cruising till the wheels fall off. Also make sure the timing is spot on as the flattops run hot when the timing is off. But I would say the biggest problem is your tiny radiator.

nick s

I agree probably more volume than the little rad can handle. the water has to go somewhere, also if this is the case, you are probably starving your pump and therefore your engine.
how about the intlet diameter? with the too small radiator increasing the pressure, a too small inlet will certainly have a harder time holding the hose especially with junk chinese hose clamps which have a hard enough time clamping somthing that is properly sized. take the rad from your 49 to a shop and get it flushed/tested and installed. as 51hornet mentions if your timing is retarded, you'll watch the needle climb when climbing a hill.

[Deleted User]

You might also look at your motor mounts. If it is broke the motor may be lifting and pulling hose off,
Roger

rambos_ride

Anyone got a part number on a "70's Dogde Van" radiator that fits?

TOM-WA-

RAMBO:

O'RILEY AUTO PARTS # 433511

CAUTION THO..I BOUGHT ONE AND RETURNED IT..IT WASN'T AN EXACT FIT AND IT ALSO LOOKED SMALLER THAN MY ORIGINAL RADIATOR THAT I DECIDED TO HAVE REBUILT INSTEAD.

rambos_ride

Are there any issues with cap pressure in lbs? The one on my mini radiator is 16

SuperDave

Tom,
I had the same thing happen at Advance Auto.. Someone reboxed a smaller radiator and it ended up being sold to me. I took it back and got a new one within 24 hours.
Dan,
That radiator must have been put in there just to sell. It is obviously undersized.

Chris Smith

I'm no expert but I'd guess that you could have a problem with the water pump packing if you use a 16LB cap on a 4-7 lb system. I had my 54 pump rebuilt and modified to use modern seals and bearings so I shouldnt have that problem. Try this test first before you start throwing parts at it. Bring the engine up to operating temp with the cap off. Then rev the engine. If the water level drops while reving, there is no restriction in the system. If the water level rises you have a restriction somewhere like the t-stat or radiator. If it erupts you have a head gasket leak. Go buy an infrared thermometor at Harbor Frieght for about 20 bucks and you can use it to tell if your radiator is plugged by the temp difference from top to bottom and side to side. Then buy the part you need.

[Deleted User]

Try this test first. Have some one sit in the car and you on the right side with hood up, have them bring the engine up to 2,000 RPM's and you watch the lower radiator hose, if it sucks together, there is your problem. In the WTN there is an ad for a 3 piece lower hose that has a metal center or you should have a stain-less coil spring inside the lower hose. Walt.

[Deleted User]

Forgot, do not exceed a 7 pound pressure cap, that is all Hudson will take. Walt.

SuperDave

Hey guys Take a look at the radiator in his car.. its at least 25% more narrow than stock.

rambos_ride

Did a lot of internet research and got some emails with great advice.

I looked up the application for the current radiator..it was for a 318 but as you all have pointed out...too small.

Part number I came to was Advanced Auto Parts 433889, or Spectra CU889/B889, Orielly Murray 433889

Took the measurements, inlet outlet..looks to be a near perfect fit...and is the same one others have used.

Also bought a 7lb cap..hopefully I'll have this in before the 4th!

Thanks All!