scott12180 Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Hi All -- I have a 1938 Super 8 which I recently acquired. The car had a blown head gasket (it was one of those composite types) which I am now replacing with an asbestos-steel one. But while I am in there, I wonder about the oil cooler. I've heard that these things can be a problem, but the references I've heard pertain to a 1934. Is the oil cooler a problem for leakage on the later cars, like my 1938? If so, does anyone have a suggestion for blocking it off? It seems that it's in series with the oil filter, so in order to block the cooler means I'd block the filter as well. And how would I know if my oil cooler were bad in the first place? The previous owner said he found coolant in the oil, but I figure that's probably from the blown head gasket. I don't know if I have a problem or not with the cooler, but don't want more coolant leaking into the oil. Thanks ------ Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 I'd worry less about the oil cooler, and more about the block itself. 1938 Super 8's are well known for a manufacturing defect, something in the way cast or material used, and the blocks crack. A lot of blocks crack. As a friend told me, there are only two kinds of '38 blocks around, those that are cracked, and those that are getting ready to. The most common crack is between valve seats. I wish I didn't have personal knowledge of this fact, but unfortunately, I do.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mitchell Posted September 5, 2015 Share Posted September 5, 2015 Just take the cooler unit out of the housing and have it cleaned and checked for leaks. I never block them off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidledge Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 I have a 1938 super eight and the car has started blowing smoke or burning oil extremely bad. When I turn the car off oil runs out of the carburetor overflow with the gas. I have not taken it apart and just wandered if anyone may know what is causing this and what I need to repairDavid Edge 9102581166 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen_Dyneto Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 The first generation 1934 oil cooler was prone to problems which were subsequently corrected. The 1935 and later are very reliable even after all these years. And if they do fail the answer is NOT to block them off but to replace the core with a shunt to permit the oil to continue to flow in the original path. This is absolutely essential. As to the just prior question about an overflowing carburetor, three common causes; (1) an electric fuel pump with excessive pressure, (2) a worn or failed carburetor needle and seat, or (3) a leaking (sunken) float in the carburetor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidledge Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 Would any of these cause the oil consumption and oil in the fuel drain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen_Dyneto Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 I can't think of anything that could cause oil in the fuel drain, but indirectly if you have a leaking needle & seat or a sunken float it could indirectly cause increased oil consumption; raw gasoline that ran into the cylinders, past the rings and into the crankcase would diluting the oil. That would both thin the oil and increase the rate of wear on the rings and cylinder walls. Sounds like you need to examine the internals on your carburetor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 The overflowing gas, when the car shuts off, is normal on a '38 Super 8, although it baffles me why it was designed that way. There are drain lines out of the bottom of each leg of the intake manifold, going to a common drain that's equipped with a ball check, and after running when the car is shut off, some gas will drain out of the intake. If you're getting oil also, then somehow oil is getting past the rings, past the intake valve area (valve itself or cracked block), and into the intake manifold. I'd say your engine should, at minimum, have the head removed and magnaflux the valve seat areas. Dollar to a doughnut you'll find cracks. I've been searching for a couple of years for someone to repair such a block, think I've found the correct person in the Boston area, plan to get my block to them soon. The saying is that there are three kinds of engine blocks for a 1938 Packard straight 8; those that are cracked, those that will be cracked, those that have been repaired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HH56 Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 The overflowing gas, when the car shuts off, is normal on a '38 Super 8, although it baffles me why it was designed that way. There are drain lines out of the bottom of each leg of the intake manifold, going to a common drain that's equipped with a ball check, and after running when the car is shut off, some gas will drain out of the intake. Here is a postwar article explaining why the drain was needed when it was reintroduced on some engines. Not that familiar with the manifolds on the earlier engines but perhaps the geometry is similar enough to the later manifolds the drains were installed for the same reason. If manifold was long or essentially flat perhaps it needed different points to take care of that accumulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now