No. 57: Care of Radiators and Cooling Systems
I do not recommend 'draining down' radiators over the lay up period. Refill with fresh water and add I litre of best antifreeze. Many years ago I went to a maintenance seminar held by Rolls Royce and was advised that radiators deteriorate if they are allowed to dry out. This is borne out by the fact that I had my radiator reblocked in 1957 and it has never been drained since (or leaked!) except for the odd engine overhaul and then I put a wooden plug in the hoses and filled it with water whilst it was disconnected. I do not recommend cleaning out with Rad Flush. It is very corrosive and is not really suitable for the non-siphon cooling systems (cooling systems where the water is circulated by the fact that hot water rises thus circulating the system). Rad Flush is OK for modern engines with a water pump and modern radiators. It is not for us. Also check that the bottom hose is not too long - trim it to fit exactly. It is almost always a bit long. The reason: if fitted too long it kinks where you can't see it under the dynamo. I have in the past removed them and found them kinked to the extent that is was restricted by half. Make sure your overflow is clear (particularly after a rebuild from a basket case). If this is blocked it will cause pressure in the system and may blow out a core plug. Incidentally, always carry spare head core plugs (it has three). This has saved my bacon many times. I now always add a soluble oil in the system to protect the aluminium water branches. If you buy Bars leak and pour out the liqueur this will be enough. Finally the 'don't overfill' rule applies. The cooling system runs about 1 1/2 inches below the top of the filler. If you fill it to the brim it will use this excess amount so you may think you have a problem when you haven't! Mac. From the A7OC magazinePrint this | Send this | Hits: 12766 |
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