Re: Anti-freeze for Model A's ?

Posted by Mike Flanagan on June 16, 1997 at 19:08:15

In Reply to: Anti-freeze for Model A's ?
posted by Walt on June 16, 1997 at 15:55:36

: Can someone tell me if anti-freeze should be used in Model A's ? A fellow in California told me they don't use anti-freeze in Model A's.I guess that is because you don't have to worryabout freezing in southern Ca.,but wouldn't it be advisable to use it to keep down corrosion and also reduce boil over?I'm in Iowa and some winters get pretty cold here, even in astorage garage.

I do not choose to use anti-freeze in Mr. Model A for the following reasons. The "Model A Leak" (right above the water inlet between the head and block) becomes an unsightly mess when anti-freeze is in the system. In addition to this reason is the more important from my perspective. Bearings and antifreeze DO NOT MIX. A very small amount of anti-freeze in the oil will take a bearing out very quickly. In a car with insert bearings this can be readily fixed however we both know in the A this is not the case. I have a friend who recently had an experience that could have been a disaster had he had anti-freeze in the system. For some unknown reason the A developed a leak between the head gasket and number two cylinder. When he tried to restart after a lunch break the engine made some strange noises but he continued his trip. Ten minutes later the engine told him enough is enough. There was water in the oil from the stop. Had this been anti-freeze I have no doubt he would have lost some bearing surface. As it was a new head gasket and some other minor work and all was well. What then to do when it gets cold. Let the water out on the ground where it can freeze harmlessly and refill the next morning. Some soluble oil (I buy from Chevron Jobber by the gallon) stops rust and we live happily ever after. Last winter we drove to the snow country and spent about a week at near -0- every night. I, like Snoopy, left a little puddle every where I spent the night.

Mike Flanagan, The Model A Fool.




Previous PageE-Mail Comment to WebmasterPost New MessagePrint MessageClose Window

© 1996-2010, Ahooga.Com

Anti Spam