Radiator woes continue
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
Likes: 29
From: Pekin, IL
Ok, thanks Ross. I know your expertise is far superior to mine, on the flatty's
And the others as well. I just wanted to get a second opinion on my thoughts.
And the others as well. I just wanted to get a second opinion on my thoughts.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Cuba, AL (NO internet)
I let the truck run for ten minutes before I put the cap on so it wasn't actually "cold". Wasn't on fire but warm. On the pressure tester....I tried but the tester kit came with several fittings. None would attach to my radiator. Also one of the folks I was talking to today at Dennis Carpenter said if the head gasket was blown out would be bubbling the whole time I was sitting there with the cap off and it wasn't so hopefully no blown hg.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Cuba, AL (NO internet)
Got a message back from Stant Engineering dept. The neck on my radiator is to deep. No cap is available. 
They confirmed that the cap is not making contact on the bottom lip.
They confirmed that the cap is not making contact on the bottom lip.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,300
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 81
From: Northville, MI
Good ideas if you plan to move your fuel tank. Thanks! 
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Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,519
Likes: 403
From: W. Central FL.
Time to get innovative. Figure out how much addition you need to get the seal part of the cap down into the sealing part of the radiator neck and put your fab skills to work. That or take it to a shop that will install a new neck. My experience is that all of these old vehicles don't burp or bleed quickly.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Cuba, AL (NO internet)
Cool links. I feel better knowing that there are some things available. I'm going to try cutting me a rubber gasket to take up the difference. I appreciate all the time and input guys. Looks like we got enough pages to qualify for a nifty video ad in the thread...lol.
As I've mentioned before this area is horrible for business. Nowhere to get a driveshaft made or balanced. And the list goes on and on. The radiator shop that all us old car guys used just closed last month. Now all thats left is the one that everyone is scared of. When I did my radiator the other day I had to show up in person (after leaving the radiator for a week) to get him to do anything. And when I dropped it off he told me two days. A week was fine but I know him and know he's not trustworthy. Anyway, I stood and watched him check the radiator and he doesn't seem very capable. Hopefully I can fix this without having to go back.
As I've mentioned before this area is horrible for business. Nowhere to get a driveshaft made or balanced. And the list goes on and on. The radiator shop that all us old car guys used just closed last month. Now all thats left is the one that everyone is scared of. When I did my radiator the other day I had to show up in person (after leaving the radiator for a week) to get him to do anything. And when I dropped it off he told me two days. A week was fine but I know him and know he's not trustworthy. Anyway, I stood and watched him check the radiator and he doesn't seem very capable. Hopefully I can fix this without having to go back.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,519
Likes: 403
From: W. Central FL.
FWIW, I just measured the original Ford script radiator in my '49 F4. It originally had the 226 CId flathead six. Measurement down to the seal ledge surface in the radiator neck is 3/4". Distance from the brass top seal and the lower rubber seal of the 4 psi cap is 13/16", non compressed. So, in my case, there is 1/16" compression.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Cuba, AL (NO internet)
Thanks Ray. I went by NAPA and dug around in the rubber washers/orings. Found a suitable piece and placed it on the ledge. Now when I put the cap on I feel the spring compress some when I mash down to tighten. I'll keep a check on it and see if it leaks.