My Cletrac get steaming hot after a few minutes use.. The Radiator has a leak near the botton, and I have the feeling that the cores are plugged. I would like to replace it with a Car or truck Radiator.. Any advice on this ?
I'd solder up the leak and do a flow test with a garden hose to give you an idea how restricted it is. If it were me, I'd rather deal with making an original right than trying to fit something else, The radiator might be OK and you might have a water pump problem. Make sure you have circulation before attacking the radiator.
Great piece of advice..Thanks...
When I fix a radiator,, I also pressure test them before installing them. I plug the bores with rubber expanision plugs and put low pressure air on it,, like 5 - 10 PSI, then you are sure, no leaks.
An Allis Chalmers B/C/CA radiator is the same size but the hose connections are a little different. They are easy enough to come by and reproductions can be purchased if need be.
Dave
:'( Got hurt trying to loosen the goose neck in order to see if there was a thermostat in the head.. The Radiator has a sharp corner on the inside edges. The wrench slipped and now I have a hole gouged that hit the tendon in my arm. Telling you this so that you can be safe while doing the same.. There was no thermostat, and the Antifreeze that I drained out of the block, was clean.. From what I can see of the top of the cores in the radiator, there is no corrosion or indication that they are plugged, My next step is to disconnect the top hose, fill the radiator with water, and see if water is being pumped through the engine.. I didn't disconect the top hose as planned. The Radiator was filled with water, to the top of the cores. Started the tractor, but vibration prevents a good look if the water is moveing. The Radiator got very hot on top, and cool on the botton I drew some water from the petcock on the side of the bottom hose housing, and it was cold. ? Now what ???
Disconnect the return hose (top) and start the engine (no thermostat) If the pump is good it should be discharging water out of the top hose.
::) I think that I found the problem.. I took the plug out of the top of the pump housing, and the inside was dry, When I attempted to prime it, water ran out of the housing. There is A hole with ears faceing the driver, about the size of a thermostat hole, nothing there . I have to make a cover for it, so that the pump will prime.
;D Got it, Whoo-Hoo....made the plate, and cut a gasket out of an old 2 ply tire. & primed the Pump.. The tractor pumps coolant now, and runs cold..