StudebakerRuss

Great, I'll take a couple photos of the Rad and Engine this weekend when I get out there and post em. Thanks again! Russ

Hi Rusty, Thanks for your reply. It is a small v-6 Buick engine and trans. What I don't know is if it is the stock 1948 Stude Radiator or not. The temp gauge shows some degrees up to 190 then says danger :). It didn't get into the danger zone, but right up to it. I did only drive it for a short time though. Perhaps 10 mins or so. Next time I'm out at the car, I'll see if there's a laser Thermometer he may have had, so I can check the actual temps in the area you suggested. If not I'll see if I can get my hands on one. Thanks again for all your points! I'm very impressed with all the comments and suggestions and they are all greatly appreciated. Russ

Understood, I did top it off all the way to the top with distilled water. I'll be changing out the water with 50/50 coolant too. Thanks so much!

Hi, Did you mean adding a reservoir may create a problem? Thanks

Thanks for the input on the steering. Will check the external bolts and idler arm for anything loose and obvious, as well as check the tire pressure too. Like you said since I'm just trying to make it presentable for sale, don't want to get overly involved in fixing more, since it won't increase selling cost. Any suggestions on coolant or adding coolant overflow reservoir if the problem isn't radiator cap, thermostat or clogged radiator? Looks like just water. Not see any color in the radiator fluid. Thanks again for your input! Lots of food for thought to look into!

Will check on that too! Thanks

Thank you for the responses Mike and Terry! Will have the radiator checked for blockage, replace the thermostat (I noticed a spare with gasket in the trunk), and see if that takes care of the problem. Not sure if the radiator is original from the Studebaker, or if he used the one from the Buick. He worked on it off and on for about 20 years. He replaced the engine because of a cracked block. Not sure what his reasoning was, I figured due to availability of parts but really don't know. It does have an electric fan on the radiator that does work. It has a manual switch for the fan and I did have it on. The temp did not get into the danger area, but when I turned the vehicle off, quite a bit of water came out the overflow. Thanks again the input and your help! Any other suggestions greatly appreciated! Russ

Hi everyone, I have a 1948 Studebaker Champion Starlite Coupe. Father in-law owned and just passed recently. It has a 81 Buick engine and trans. Runs pretty smooth, but gets hot pretty fast. Then most of the radiator water comes out when turned off. Was wondering if I should try to add a reservoir overflow to the radiator, and what kind of coolant should be in the radiator. Need to sell for my mother in-law, but would get a lot less if it's over heating and as-is. Stering also has quite a bit of play, not sure how to tighten it up. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Russ