Ford Manual
The heat generated by the constant explosions in the engine would soon overheat and ruin the engine,
were it not cooled by some artificial means. The Ford engine is cooled by the circulation of water in
jackets around the cylinders. The heat is extracted from the water by its passing through the thin metal
tubing of the radiator---to which are attached scientifically worked out fins, which assist in the rapid
radiation of the heat. The fan, just back of the radiator, sucks the air around the tubing---around which
the air is also driven by the forward movement of the car. The fan belt should be inspected occasionally
and tightened when necessary---not too tight, however---by means of the eccentric adjustment in the fan
bracket. Take up the slack till the fan atarts to bind when turned by hand.
How does the Water circulate?
Answer No. 36
The cooling apparatus of the Ford car is known as the Thermo-siphon system. It acts on the principle that
hot water seeks a higher level than cold water--consequently when the water reaches a certain heat,
approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit, circulation commences and the water flows from the lower
radiator outlet pipe up through the water jackets, into the upper radiator water tank, and down through
the tubes to the lower tank, to repeat the process.
What are the causes of Overheating?
Answer No. 37
(1) Carbonized cylinders; (2) too much driving on low speed; (3) spark retarded too far; (4) poor
ignition; (5) not enough or poor grade oil; (6) racing motor; (7) clogged muffler; (8) improper carburetor
adjustment; (9) fan not working properly on account of broken or slipping belt; (10) improper circulation
of water due to clogged or jammed radiator tubes, leaky connections or low water.
What should be done when the Radiator overheats?
Answer No. 38
Keep the radiator full. Don't get alarmed if it boils occasionally---especially in driving through mud and
deep sand or up long hills in extremely warm weather. Remember that the engine develops the greatest
efficiency when the water is heated nearly to the boiling point. But if there is persistent overheating
when the motor is working under ordinary conditions---find the cause of the trouble and remedy it. The
chances are that the difficulty lies in improper driving or carbonized cylinders. By reference to the
proper division of this book each of the causes which contribute to an overheated radiator is treated and
remedies suggested. No trouble can result from the filling of a heated radiator with cold water---
providing the water system is not entirely empty---in which case he motor should be allowed to cool
before the cold water is introduced.
How about cleaning the Radiator?
Answer No. 39
The entire circulating system should be thoroughly flushed out occasionally. To do this open the pet
cock at the bottom of the radiator and insert a hose into the filler neck, allowing the water to flow
through the system for about fifteen or twenty minutes.
Will the Radiator freeze in winter?
Answer No. 40
Yes, unless an anti-freezing solution is used in the circulating system you are bound to experience
trouble. As the circulation does not commence until the water becomes heated, it is apt to freeze at low
temperatures before it commences to circulate. In case any of the radiator tubes happen to be plugged or
jammed they are bound to freeze and burst open if the driver undertakes to get along without using a non-
freezing solution. Wood or denatured alcohol can be used to good advantage. The following table gives
the freezing points of solutions containing different percentages of alcohol:
20% solution freezes at 15 degrees above zero.
30% solution freezes at 8 degrees below zero.
50% solution freezes at 34 degrees below zero.
A solution composed of 60% water, 10% glycerin and 30% alcohol is commonly used, its freezing point
being about 8 degrees below zero.
On account of evaporation fresh alcohol must be added frequently in order to maintain the proper
