Stopped Up Radiator Question

I have found that most of the problems of overheating are caused by a stopped up radiator. Rust and grease from the engine and water pump work their way through the engine and lodge in the radiator.  To stop the matter from reaching the radiator, a screen can be placed in the upper radiator hose. Here is how:

Cut two pieces of window screen, (aluminum is good, brass is better) about 1 inch larger in diameter than the radiator inlet pipe

Form each piece over the outside of the radiator inlet pipe, making a cup. Push each cupped screen into the upper radiator hose from the engine toward the radiator end of the hose. It should fit snug. Push the first screen so that it rests just below the radiator inlet pipe. Push the second screen to a point just below the first screen. Do not push the two screens together. Do not push the screen so that they are crushed by the radiator pipe after installation. The object of the screen is to trap rust before it can enter the radiator. The screen should be cleaned about every 500 miles at first. After that, at intervals as needed.

It is recommended that if the radiator has been on the car for a long time, or if the radiator seems to lose its water after long drives, the radiator should be cleaned to remove all rust and grease.

I had experienced this problem of the radiator being stopped up from the engine rest, forcing the water out of the top of the radiator. I flushed the radiator, but it stayed clean for only a short time. After installing the screens, the radiator has stayed clean.

Submitted by Robert Hitchcock