Cooling Questions, 1930 Erskine/Studebaker

[wilsonsk]

First a couple of questions,

1) Where can I get a new radiator cap?

2) Do most caps (namely Model A) caps interchange within the same vintage?

3) How often should I be checking the water?

4) How full should I fill it?

Now here is my story, less important than the questions but it also contains some questions. I am looking for information to better educate myself on what to expect form a car of this age, how often to check water, how full to fill it? I have been able to get out and drive the Erskine quite a bit. There were two old radiator caps that are in pretty bad shape.There was a brand new fuel cap in a box, It looked like it belonged on the radiator, it fit perfectly so I put it on the radiator assuming that it was purchased by the previous owner (now deceased) to be used as a radiator cap. There is a period correct fuel cap on the car so I didn't think that needed to be replaced. I also assumed that the fuel cap would function as a radiator cap. I may have been wrong on both points. After driving a few blocks I would notice that water had escaped at the cap although I didn't see it happen and the cap was on securely. I went for a longer drive and a couple of things happened, I noticed that the water would come out at the cap when I shifted geaters, I assume from inertia of the water moving and the engine slowing down. The other thing was that I was low on water and overheating. I got it home but it was boiling out at the cap. I compared the fuel cap I hwas using for a radiator cap with the old radiator caps and the rubber seal has no give on the old caps and on the fuel cap the seal has a spring behind it allowing it to move fairly easily. I am guessing this type of cap wont work. I am using one of the old caps now, it still leaks a little at the cap joint but nothing like before, the "ears" are very worn and I really need a good cap, suggestions?.

[Mark Huston]

I have been owned/driven 1928-29 Studebakers since 1974. It has been my experience that under the best of conditions they will lose some water while driving. Therefore, it is necessary to check the water level before driving on every occasion. On hot summer days I will check the water level before starting after short stops (rest stops on a tour). I always carry a couple gallons of water.

Regarding the water level in the radiator, fill the radiator when cold to a level that just clears the top of the radiator core. When the water is higher, and has reached the engine operating temperature, it will escape out the overflow or around the radiator cap. Many years ago I had a 1929 Commander that came with what I later discovered was a Model A Ford radiator cap. It fit perfectly. For a correct reproduction cap for your Erskine contact Steve Munts in Spokane, WA.

One point of caution, do not use modern radiator coolants in your Erskine because it is designed for a pressurized cooling systems and will not work in your Erskine. If you use the coolant it will foam and leak out around your radiator cap splashing back on your hood and fenders along with covering the front of your windshield. The foaming coolant will damage your cars paint. I am speaking from experience. I learned this lesson the hard way back in the 1970s when I got my first 1929 Studebaker and flushed out the cooling system and filled it with modern radiator coolant. Big mistake.

[wilsonsk]

Thanks for the info Mark. I ask about the Model A cap because Model A stuff is plentiful. So should I just run straight water in the engine or is there a coolant that is appropriate for the older cars?