Super A overheat

[RELAX]

Hey guys I have a 46 super A. Been in the family since 1951. First thing I can remember driving.

In the past when tobacco was king here in kentucky we used the A for cultavating and not much else. However I found a woods L59 belly mower for it and finally started to use it this last week.

After completing the install and reading all the product info from the Woods brochure I started to mow around and soon noticed water coming form the radiator and assumed since the radiator was in such bad condition that it needs replacing.

New radiator and my tractor still apears to over heat. I should mention that the radiator is the non pressurized type.

I guess my question is it normal for water to come out of the side tube of the radiator during normal use? I dont remember the tractor overheating when I was a kid but that was a long time ago. Other than installing a temperature gauage how can you tell when the tractor is overheating?

Thanks in advance for anyone who can offer advice!

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

If I remember correctly (rare but does happen) The Super A is like the cub that it does not have a water pump, and will blow water out overflow till it gets about 1 to 1 1/2 inch below filler neck. So long as it still covers the tubes it is good. That type system is called a thermosyphon system.

[RELAX]

John,

Thanks for the quick responce, and yes there is no water pump on my tractor which makes the cooling system a thermocooler.

So you say as long as I keep my eye on the level of the coolant water I should be ok?

Would you recommend installing a temp gauge?

[Super A]

If you filled it full, you probably will see some coolant coming out of the overflow. Thermosyphons generally "find" the coolant level they like based on how hard they are working. Old-time mechanic once told me as long as the flues in the radiator stay covered with coolant, it is ok.

Al

[RELAX]

Thanks once again guys. I did some more mowing today and it didnt bubble over like yesterday. It must have found the level it likes which is just covering the tubes in the radiator.

Looks like I am ready for summer which seems to have already started.

[DanR]

Your A is acting just like it should. Forget the temperature gauge because the coolant can't get over 212 degrees in an unpressurized system.

[Eugene]

If you haven't done so, flush the cooling system.

[RELAX]

Eugene I flushed my system a while back thanks for the tip.

DanR I was told the same thing the other day about the temp gauge by my neighbour. Guess I didnt think about the boiling point in the open system.

You guys on this forum obvously been around the block a few times thanks so much for the advice!

[Super A]

Only time you need a temp. gauge on one of these is if it is a kerosene/distillate burner.

Al