The Cooling System.

[DaWizard]

As some of you might know or have figured, I have been doing extensive work to my cooling system to get it into an optimal performance situation.

Well, the question came up if was I using antifreeze? Well, I haven't been, and since to clean my filter I need to drain a gallon off the top, I figured it's easier and much cheaper to run water and some rust inhibitor. We all know the problems with trying to recover anything coming from that little petcock on the lower hose/pipe.

Since I want to install another temp gauge at the inlet this means way more than a gallon of water off the top.

So today I have had another brain fart and am going to try to fix the situation by removing the petcock and soldering on a short length of tubing that I can slip a rubber hose on to recover the coolant. since there is no "seal" to speak of, I think with a minimum of heat this can be done easily, as long as I take it apart first so I don't release the spring from the spring.

Pictures to follow providing I can use the "edit" feature to add the pictures. I haven't tried this yet. Wish me skill, 'cause if it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all!


Petcock 1.jpgPetcock 2.jpg

[pAAt]

I just had trouble with the edit when trying to add a picture I forgot. I copied the post, deleted, and then did it over. Let us know if you figure it out . Pat

[Big hammer]

Recruiter, I don't see engine pans, some say the pans help in cooling

[DaWizard]

Well, about the engine pans. Well, that is a not so funny story,

See, the car didn't come with any, I suspect lost in time somewhere in Michigan.

Anyway, I found some on fleabay that looked like the correct ones for my time frame and purchased them quick like. After waiting 3 weeks for them to come from Georgia, I contacted the seller to find he did not have any, but had them ordered from a vendor or some such. Well, needless to say I canceled the order and got my payment back, but alas, I have looked but found none to my liking or time period. So, until something turns up, I will keep an eye open and wait.

As for improved cooling, I really can't see, using common sense, how directing the airflow at the floorboards will help the air circulation. To my thinking, it would actually hinder the free flow of air in and around the engine from the fan.

I know there has been a multitude of discussion about this throughout the years, but frankly, I'm not sold.

Think about this, how many moderns have a fan shroud today? Nearly all of them I'd say. Now if it didn't help air circulation and flow, why, and since we know it helps, why did Henry stop putting them on?

[Big hammer]

Not wanting to argue and I've wondered how pans would help aid in cooling. The only thing I can come up with, helping streamline the air flow out of the radiator. The air coming back under the car and maybe swirling up and disturbing the airflow out of the radiator. Ps I haven't put mine back on,yet! Good luck finding the pans you need!

[Ray Horton]

I haven't noticed that the pans keep my A's cooler, but they do look good and are supposed to be part of the grounding system.

[A-doctor]

Does anyone have a connection for a wind tunnel test? With the appropriate sensors in place it can be determined if the engine pans enhance the funneling effect of the air down the sides of the motor and trans area. My own non scientific observations using a thermal imager suggests that the pans do enhance the cooling compared to not having the pans installed. Without the pans much of the air is lost out the bottom
As far as the grounding yes anything connected between the frame and the engine will enhance this but there are many more ground points in these cars than most folks realize.
my 2.5 cents

[BNCHIEF]

the pans should help funnel the air thru the radiator and thru the hood side vents which help to create a bit of a fan shroud.

[1931 Flamingo]

With no engine pans I don't understand the need to put an extension tube on the petcock??
Paul in CT

[A-doctor]

X2.. even with pans the coolant will drain off the rear of the pan into a stream

[DaWizard]

Oh, the reason for the extension for the petcock is so I can attach a hose to it and drain into a bottle instead of the tub, which I would have to clean before and after to use the same tub for oil changes and what-not. This way, the tub can just be used for the garbage off the bottom of the engine.