Ford Model A Radiators, how do they work? How to drain & refill coolant 2 ways, Paul Shinn assisted!

Ford Model A Radiator 101, this video is great for everyone, but especially for those of you new to Model A’s whether it’s because you inherited one or finally purchased your first Model A and need helpful information that’s easy to understand so that you can care for your Model A like a pro!
Todays video I’ll explain basics on how a radiator works, then I’ll show you how to drain the coolant 2 different ways and to finish I’ll show you how to properly refill the radiator with new coolant.
‪@ModelA‬ is my lovely assistant!
Link to Coolant -
amzn.to/45NwGDd

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

Well done! Good explanations. And at the end, you showed how to add just enough water to cover the top fins of the radiator and leave room for expansion!

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you so much 💗💕

[@patmccarthy5069]

You two make one heck of a team !!! I appreciate your commitment to help and educate several of us to keep the rolling pieces of Ford history on the road. Thanks for being genuine.

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you so much Pat 💕💗

[@denisdavidson5622]

Thanks 'T' as owner of a 31 only this year I had wondered why the coolant always appeared to go down after I topped it up, but it was just founding its own level. Not a leak at all.

[@craigroberts3982]

Welp, thought I'd learn nothing but decided to watch anyway. Turns out I never knew about the splash pans so very interesting! Thank you again.

[@Modeltshinn]

Thanks for watching Craig!! 💕

[@jerrypeal653]

FYI I ran Evapo Rust in my model A and in a few days drained it and flushed it clean worked great.

[@brendamcdaniel1958]

We’re all so lucky you both have the knowledge of these old machines and are willing to share it. 😊 Thanks for the video friends. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you so much! 💕😘 I hope you guys had a wonderful thanksgiving!

[@markymark903]

You guys never fail to inform and entertain. Happy Thanksgiving to you both.

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you so much Marky 💗🦃

[@ronaldlujan6452]

Splash pans are important as you drive the air is directed through the grill and not out the bottom.

[@thesharkcom]

Thanks again Model T. I just had to remove the radiator from my 29 to repair a pin hole leak that I caused installing the new alternator. I was thinking Paul & Tina should make a video on this...LOL Happy🦃🦃

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you 💕 Wow, it’s coming super soon, sorry it was too late for your experience 💗 Happy thanksgiving 🦃

[@garyaxsom1815]

I also understand the splash guards help in cooling the motor!

[@kevincondit79]

Antifreeze will help keep your water pump lubricated prevent rust and help run a little cooler

[@Modeltshinn]

Good stuff 💗

[@jerrypalmer1370]

I bought my car because my mother drove them when she was young. They were $50 cars back then. And she always wanted another one. And that rubbed up on me. So now I have a 31 coupe

[@Modeltshinn]

Wow, that’s so awesome, thank you for sharing 💕💗

[@Go4Corvette]

Coolant does not cool that's why you need the 50/50 mix. Coolant is a rust inhibitor, antifreeze and provides some lubrication. If you run 100% coolant you can overheat your engine because it's not good at taking on the BTU"S needed to cool the engine. You need the water to absorb the BTU's from the engine block and this is why they run a 50/50 mixture. Besides low octane fuel If a engine is over heating one of the first things you will hear is pinging which is predetonation and can damage a piston. Good luck, and thanks for the video, Mike

[@Modeltshinn]

Yes, maybe I should reword to 50/50 mix, but we explained that that’s what we used in the video. Thanks for sharing! 💕 Happy thanksgiving 🦃

[@Go4Corvette]

@@Modeltshinnyour title is fine, it's poor wording on the part of the manufacturers calling it coolant and this makes many people think that the more the better but when you go to manufacturer factory training you find out that a lot of things are different than you thought 😉. The model A is from the good old days of keep it simple. Happy Thanksgiving, Mike

[@Modeltshinn]

@@Go4Corvette oh got ya! True, thanks!

[@stevecurtiss46]

Here;s a tip: Dad taught me to put diesel fuel in the rad to stop rust. cup for your A pint for car 1 gallon for big trucks. Just remember you did it and not fear a blown head gasket. This works well so well in fact after a year open to air there was no rust. Dad was a fleet diesel mechanic.

[@Dan-qy1rg]

Good info, I didn't know about the drain pans or the petcocks on the pipe going to the engine block. Always enjoy you two and how you interact with each other. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, stay safe and have a great day.

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you so much Dan! 💕 🦃

[@truthreigns7]

Excellent, educational, and entertaining. Enjoyed this as all of your videos.

[@Modeltshinn]

You’re awesome, thank you so much! 💗

[@williamforbes5826]

More kitties! Show more kitties! I'm a sucker for critters; especially cats.

[@Modeltshinn]

Awe 😍 I actually had more but I wasn’t sure so I figured a moment would be okay 💗

[@deanjernstrom3760]

Great entertainment from the Tina and Paul duo.Bent my pans back into shape and did the best I could without purchasing new ones,ahh they work.Love that you spend the time introducing everyone to different projects,that eventually we'll all deal with.Thank you so much for the time you both put into you crazy schedules.Lorraine and I wish you both a great Thanksgiving with family and friends.Be safe and enjoy,love you guys! P.S.LOVE YOUR CATS.THANKS

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you so much Dean! Such a special message 💗 God bless you both and happy birthday 🦃💕

[@Bbbuddy]

Very informative. I find that a standard kitchen bucket will fit under the splash pan, holds all 3 gallons, and is easier to pour from. Also, I like your choice of fuse. Safer than the bolt-on contraptions sold by the suppliers, which can short.

[@Modeltshinn]

Thanks for your input! A bucket could possibly work for many, but unfortunately some people may not be strong enough to carry 3 gallons of fluid… Take care 💕

[@discerningmind]

Model T, I've never heard the term, radiator juices, before. Given this video was released the day before Thanksgiving, I think saying radiator juices indicates that you have cooking on your mind. Hahahaha! Happy Thanksgiving, Shinn's. God bless.

[@Modeltshinn]

Lol, sometimes things just come out of my mouth…maybe there’s something to that 😂💕 God bless you and take care!

[@jmh119]

Thanks Tina. Now i know i over filled mine!

[@Modeltshinn]

Thanks, I’m so happy it helped you ♥️

[@williamforbes5826]

Mea culpa...while working under hood on my wife's versa, I dropped a bolt. I looked and looked; never did find it! Well let me tell you, when the electric fan came on it found the bolt. Doom on me...oh, well! That's the story of how I bought a new radiator for the Versa.

[@Modeltshinn]

Yikes!! What a bummer!!!

[@williamforbes5826]

Gobble Gobble! 🦃 🦃

[@rynetakeuchi4382]

A boo boo by Paul lead to a new radiator in Stella 💕🤙🏽

[@Modeltshinn]

Yep, the story’s kind of funny how it happened, but Paul told me to hush 😂😂😂

[@rynetakeuchi4382]

@@Modeltshinn I could use a good laugh but if Paul wanna keep it hush, then 🤫

[@Modeltshinn]

@@rynetakeuchi4382 😂

[@mattpowers3958]

Great video, Tina! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Paul!

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you 💗🦃

[@steveduecker9872]

The petcock is in a better location and easier to turn the ones on 70’s cars. They were on the tanks on the ends of radiators.

[@Modeltshinn]

That’s awesome information, thanks! 💕

[@leahbarnacle6956]

Thanks! Have great Thanksgiving ! Enjoying your video’s

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you Leah 💗🦃

[@rynetakeuchi4382]

Love your videos, love you guys🙏🏼💕 Happy Thanksgiving!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Modeltshinn]

We love you both, happy thanksgiving 🦃💕

[@mattomon1045]

Model T I had a pro mechanic explaine to me how a radiator works.. He told me that the air going through the radiator makes the water hot ! and the engine cools the water off ! he was serious and A.S.C. certified ? Happy Thanksgiving to you both.

[@Modeltshinn]

Wow, that’s sad, maybe he needed more sleep? That wouldn’t make sense at all, the coolant needs to be cooler so over heating doesn’t happen, that’s the purpose of a radiator and fins for air to go through…etc

[@mattomon1045]

@@Modeltshinn I tryed to explane is the engine is what gets hot. he told me I dont know what im talking about. And he was the export !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Modeltshinn]

@@mattomon1045 wow, that must have been a strange conversation…probably made you feel like you were on one of those got ya tv shows lol

[@user-sn9ml4mf4n]

Thankyou

[@mr_paw_t]

Good information. Have a great Thanksgiving

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you 💕💗 Have a blessed thanksgiving 🦃💕

[@vayabroder729]

Very informative and cool video. Being that Paul has his car so pristine I wonder why he doesn’t have the splash pans in it. They seem to be quite convenient. Happy Thanksgiving guys!

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you 💗 The car didn’t come with them, I guess he just doesn’t care lol

[@ModelA]

I didn't put them on because they were kind in the way when that motor got dropped in there. I figured I would do it later. It's been 17K miles and later hasn't happened yet.

[@waynemiracle8928]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Paul! Thanks for all the videos you all produce that gives me so much viewing pleasure!

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you very much 💕 Hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving!

[@douglaslambert579]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@geoffwatson6207]

I would have been very surprised if you had been able to complete this entire video without having to do a bathroom break! 😯 Happy Thanksgiving to you both.

[@Modeltshinn]

😂 Thank you, hope you had a great thanksgiving! 💗

[@williamforbes5826]

Have a happy Thanksgiving with family and friends! And critters too!

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you William, have a blessed Thanksgiving 💕🦃

[@miguelangelsimonfernandez5498]

What does Paul think of Evans waterless cooling fluid?

[@ModelA]

Paul thinks that's for rich guys (and gals). Never tried it.

[@Modeltshinn]

It’s more expensive than we like to pay, haven’t tried it.

[@jeffrose133]

Another great video..... With cats I'd bet you have an old litter box around that's what I use. Also, I know it isn't a pressurized system, but is there any actual sealing with the cap or is it vented to atmosphere? If sealing, then may I respectfully point out that it would probably drain faster with the cap off. Keep the videos coming!!

[@Modeltshinn]

Hi Jeff! Thank you so much! The radiator is vented to atmosphere. Have a wonderful new year! 💗🥳

[@Kybossls]

Model T & Paul, perfect timing for this video. I started draining and flushing my 400, the radiator has a grease build up around the neck from years of over packing the water pump. I’ve put some vinegar in it and flushed, another person said to put in 2 Tablespoons of dawn liquid detergent and run the car for a few minutes? I’ll start this over the weekend. You are teasing us with a giveaway? Haven’t tackled the timing for the 400? One item at a time, just discovered that the E brake rods are missing from the car? Surprise surprise, any location for replacements? Hope you and Family Have a Blessed Thanksgiving.

[@tomlooney1453]

Most any Model A parts shop such as Snyders has brake rods.

[@Modeltshinn]

Thanks for responding Tom! Have a wonderful new year! 💗🥳

[@Modeltshinn]

I’m happy you are having progress and getting some help with information since we are slow to get back to everyone. I’m going to guess that you flushed the radiator sufficiently after the dawn soap lol, all I can picture is the 400 spitting out bubbles as it drives 😂 Have a wonderful new year! 💗🥳

[@williamforbes5826]

Remind me not to have any of Model T's broth. Hahaha!

[@Modeltshinn]

😂😂😂

[@dastrayer63]

Good video. My grandmother said they heated the water on the stove a little in those pre antifreeze days. Yep...have to pee.

[@Modeltshinn]

Awesome share, thanks Daniel 💕

[@ModelA]

Heated water into an ice cold engine block is asking for cracks.

[@dastrayer63]

@@ModelA true about the thermal shock, but she said pap took water from in the kitchen to the car.

[@dalemettee1147]

I've noticed that there is no thermostat. so because of this fact, how long does it take these engines to reach final running temp? I know with newer cars, they say that the running temp should be reached as soon as possible. So, when did ford include a thermostat in their cars? Paul, don't eat too much or you'll have to raise the cars higher to go crawl under them. haha

[@Modeltshinn]

Great questions! I know Paul has done a video where he shows how to get an engine warmed up faster when it’s cold by placing a piece of card board in front of the radiator…sounds like it’s time for another video to answer this 💗 The end of you message 😂😂

[@miguelangelsimonfernandez5498]

Audio volume is a bit low. Happy Thanksgiving, feliz día de Acción de Gracias

[@Modeltshinn]

Thank you for your feed back 💕🦃

[@eugenelevin8314]

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

[@Modeltshinn]

💗🦃

[@mattomon1045]

Mode T you are using Paul favreat tool!!!! in big train diesel locomotive some of them just use water. for coolent.

[@mpederson1316]

Is any “All make” antifreeze good to use? I have 30a standard coupe. Grandpas first car. Was found and restored when i was young. Been trying to find good info about these cars. Your videos are fantastic! Follow up ?, 91 octane or 87 non-ethanol?

[@ray_pilot6707]

What are your thoughts on back flushing? Or running a radiator flush? I can run at 40 no problem. I push to 50 and overheat. Is that a natural limit? Clogged radiator? Water pump limit? Just trying to figure it out. Thanks.

[@Modeltshinn]

It sounds like you have a head gasket leak…if it were the radiator it would over heat no matter what speed.

[@ray_pilot6707]

@@Modeltshinn Thanks.

[@SoccerBeast2018]

We live in California, and are curious what type of coolant we should add to our 1929 model A since it doesn’t really freeze much here

[@Modeltshinn]

I forgot to put it in the description sorry… This is my Amazon affiliate like for the coolant that works well- amzn.to/45NwGDd

[@Modeltshinn]

I I don’t know what part of Ca you moved to but most areas in Ca freeze in the winter at least mid to high 20’s- low 30’s. Take care!

[@douglaslambert579]

The coolant has a lubricant for the water pump.

[@thomashuelsenbeck8941]

Have you considered using Evan’s waterless coolant?

[@Modeltshinn]

No, not something we would use or need to and it’s much more expensive.

[@thomashuelsenbeck8941]

@@Modeltshinn Evan’s is reusable, and waterless which would stop the inside of your engines from rusting out. If your a Jay Leno fan you can check out his Evan’s video.

[@joe-skeen]

How long does it take to drain the radiator? Mine seems to take 2-3 hours, and I'm not sure if that is normal or if there's some blockage going on. I'm on a second vinegar soak to get so many years worth of rust out. Hoping it won't overheat anymore.

[@joe-skeen]

Answered my own question, after my third flush the pettcock valve barely dripped... I removed the water pipe and it gushed out. Years of rust buildup had blocked the valve. A couple flushes with the water pipe off later, still getting lots of rust clumps. Hopefully I'll get to that point that the water is drinkable ;-)

[@allareasindex7984]

40 horsepower + 1 catpower.

[@Modeltshinn]

😂😂😂 that’s awesome!!

[@rynetakeuchi4382]

A friend never added antifreeze to his radiator and because of electrolysis it chewed up his impellers on his water pump. This lead to his car overheating and a crack head 🤦🏽

[@Modeltshinn]

Yikes! What a terrible lesson to learn 😳

[@otto-Z]

Teach Paul how to do subtitles.

[@Modeltshinn]

Okay 💗🦃

[@festerhairball6588]

Look at the bottom right of your screen. You'll see a "CC" click that. Enjoy

[@Modeltshinn]

@@festerhairball6588 unless he hasn’t enabled the cc, I’ll have him check 💕

[@Biglug8888]

Happy Thanksgiving!