Radiator Evaluation

1930 McCormick-Deering 22-36.
Radiator removed from tractor.
I ran many gallons of hot water through, watching it flow readily. I observed no leaks.
I ran a long wire down many of the tubes and they are all open.
Next, I plugged the bottom with a plate and sealer.
Then, I filled the radiator with water. It has sat for two hours so far, without any leaking.
I have been warned not to pressure test an old radiator like this for fear of actually CREATING leaks.
Is there any other evaluation procedures that any of you would recommend before trying to reinstall the radiator and go with it?
Of course, I have rebuilt my water pump already.
 
you are more than likely OK, but it probable wouldnt hurt to pump a few lbs of pressure into it with a pressure tester anyway, when running and hot it's probablly at 10 to 15 psi anyway, and shouldnt hurt anything...
 
One easy test to check for blockage is to block off bottom hole and fill with water. Remove cover on bottom hole and the water should exit the radiator in one big gush with a bit of force behind it. If it gulps for air and exits in spirts it still has blockage.
 
sounds good. this is a non pressurized cooling system.what i have done is removed top and btm. tanks and sandblasted the rust out and then you can look down the tubes to see if they are open and are able to clean them with along wire. i just make new gskts for the tanks as the old ones are just rusted to nothing.then you can clean up the bolts or replace them.
 
a friend had a radiator shop and used a recoil spring from a lawnmower engine to run through the flues when he removed the top tank. he had several different size springs for different size flues. he said the spring being flat would clean the entire area of flue and help straighten any dents or collaped areas. good luck, d. coleman
 

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