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Cooling system mystery
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Bayliss Thomas



Joined: 25 Sep 2009
Posts: 557
Location: SUFFOLK

PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:13 pm    Post subject: Cooling system mystery Reply with quote

Covered about 1000 miles this year since my 1928 Vauxhall 20/60 had been treated to a top end overhaul. This included a head skim and new copper head gasket. All seemed fine until recently I notice that after a run the top of the radiator is hot but the lower section is cold. The coolant level is just above the radiator header tank, I topped it up once and obviously overfilled it. It has settled at just above header tank level and seems OK. No evidence of milky sludge anywhere either. What could be the problem? Thank you.
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Jim.Walker



Joined: 27 Dec 2008
Posts: 1229
Location: Chesterfield

PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I expect there to be a significant difference in the top and bottom radiator temperatures.
If there was not the radiator would be faulty!
As long as the engine is reaching normal running temperature and not overheating there is nothing to worry about.
Presumably your car has a thermo-syphon cooling system (no water pump) and that temperature difference is what makes the coolant circulate.
However, in Winter it is possible to over-cool such engines because they generally do not have a thermostat. In those conditions a radiator muffler may be wise.
Jim.
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Bayliss Thomas



Joined: 25 Sep 2009
Posts: 557
Location: SUFFOLK

PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you Jim, the cooling system has not overheated at all, the system has got a water pump, unusual perhaps considering the vintage. I will bear in mind the use of a radiator muff.
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