Ford Model A Cooling System Specifications

Capacity: 3 GAL

Water Pump

  • Shaft: 5/8″ Diameter
  • End Play: .006″-.010″

Fan:

  • Belt Width: 5/8″
  • Blade Length: 16″
  • Cooling Surface: 374 Square In.
  • Speed 1.2 Times Engine RPM
  • 855 cfm at 1000 rpm (about 24 mph)

Radiator Hose:

  • Upper:
    • 2″ Diameter
    • 6 1/4″ Long (28/29)
    • 8″ Long (30/31)
  • Lower (Two Pieces):
    • 1 3/4″ Diameter
    • 2 3/4″ Long

Radiator

  • Radiator Capacity: 1 1/2 Gal.
  • Radiator Flow Rate: 38 GPM

Miscellaneous:

  • To check for a clogged radiator:
    • Disconnect radiator hoses.
    • Plug bottom hole on radiator.
    • Fill with water.
    • If it doesn’t hold close to 1 1/2 Gal. it is plugged up.

*If you have more information you would like to share please comment it below or email me.*

9 Responses to “Ford Model A Cooling System Specifications”

  1. Kevin says:

    MAXX,
    Did you ever find out why your radiator was leaking the antifreeze? For the last 2 years I’ve put antifreeze in the car before I put it away for Winter and every single Spring when I go to get it ready to start up it has drained all of its coolant. But it never leaks when I run Straightwater all summer long

  2. Maxx says:

    I have a 1931 Tudor. I have had it for about 3 months. It has never overheated. I was checking all the fluids and found the radiator to be low (couldn’t see any coolant when removed cap) so I filled it up with maybe 3 quarts of 50/50 antifreeze and we took it for a drive, maybe 30 miles. Engine temp stayed right where it usually does about 190. Everything was fine. Next morning I found antifreeze on the floor under the car, a good size spot, probably the 3 quarts I put in. I took it for a drive w/o adding anything to radiator and it was fine. Can this radiator be over filled? I would think you would want to see fluid in radiator when removing the cap with engine warm or cold. I didn’t see it leaking anywhere. Please comment. Thanks

  3. Austin Parks says:

    I have a 1929 Model A Tudor Sedan and was wondering what the average water temp should be. I feel like the temp is a little high but I’m not sure. I live in Kansas where summer temps are in the mid 90’s and the humidity is fairly high. I’ve read that a radiator flush could help and that you can use vinegar to flush it out. Any tips to help it run cooler would be greatly appreciated.

    • miles says:

      I believe it should run around 190, but I am not sure. The coolant should not be boiling out of the radiator. Giving the engine a tune up (adjusting timing,etc) may help. Also flushing the radiator/block with a flush solution may help improve its heat transfer ability.

  4. Mark says:

    Can you tell me the torque specs for the water pump on a 1931 Ford Model A?
    Thanks

  5. The last lecture says:

    1929 -cannot stop leak,bottom radiator hose. help

  6. tom utting says:

    I have a 1931 model a tudor that spits water and overheats. I drained the cooling system and it took 3 gallons of water to refill so I don’t think that the radiator is clogged. I am new to all of this so can I ask for your advice?

    • miles says:

      Well to start off are you running straight water or a 50/50 antifreeze mix? If you are running just water I would run some antifreeze to raise the boiling point of the water and reduce corrosion. When the engine is cold and running (right after start up if it has been sitting overnight) is the radiator spitting water? If you open the filler can you see bubbles coming out like the engine head gasket is bad and pushing exhaust into the cooling system? That could be your problem. If not you may need the carburetor tuned up or rebuilt as it can clog and force the engine to run lean and overheat. We had one in the shop a while ago and that was the problem with it. I would check those things first and get back to me. Hopefully this helps and feel free to ask more questions. I am glad to help.

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