posted September 20, 2006 19:52               

I assume that I can replace them once I get the radiator off? Advice would be appreciated.

The plus point for the day been finding a label on the radiator saying what looks like "Preston Radiator Services Ltd." its the first indication as to where my old girl has spent her life.

Chris

posted September 22, 2006 08:02               

Thanks for the info it was very helpful. Radiator now cleaned inside and out, we'll see if that makes any difference to my overheating problems. I managed to get quite a bit of rust particles out so fingers crossed.

Radiator now fixed with new bolts so should be easier to remove in the future.

Chris

posted September 24, 2006 22:48               

As I mentioned previously there were bits of rust in the system which was probably part of the problem also although the radiator cooling fins superficially looked clean (previous owner had painted the rad) in fact there was quite a bit gunk buried deep in the cooling fins. blasting this out probably helped a lot.

Hope you guys manage to sort out your overheating problems.

posted September 25, 2006 10:20               

There are descalers available for flushing cooling systems from Halfords and good Motor Factors. I am making enquiries to scource a suitable product from a supplier of Indutrial Chemicals and will keep you posted.

However before you use a descaler I would make sure that the copper/brass backing plate fitted between the water pump and the timing cover has not been removed. I have come across a couple of Dextas where this plate has been removed resulting in severe corrosion/erosion of the aluminium timing cover which eventually could allow water to enter the engine!

Regards.

Gerald

posted October 10, 2006 17:38               

I have refitted the pump with a brass backing plate, the plate is made of brass sheet 0.029" thick and approximately 4" x 5"

posted October 10, 2006 21:35               

I experienced the same thing when I removed my water pump from the timing gear cover. At the moment I have a bakerlite backing plate which I don't feel too comfortable with, I feel it may not be as robust as the brass or other metal plate.

Can someone put some light on the options please?

Regards
Mervyn

posted October 16, 2006 15:23               

It would appear that your appeal is in vain. So I consider that the only course of action is as our American cousins would say "C. Y. A.", play safe, fit a 22 gauge brass plate behind the pump and add a corrosion inhibitor or antifreeze to the cooling system.

The brass plate which I removed from my 1960 Dexta revealed that the pump impeller had at some time been in contact with the plate, however the timing cover was unmarked! If this should happen with your bakelite plate, which isn't as robust as brass, it is possible that it would damage it.

Regards

posted October 16, 2006 17:51               

I think the fact that I did not get a response is that my question was raised under the incorrect topic.

Regards
Mervyn

posted October 16, 2006 21:46               

You may well be correct in your assumption, which means I am also at fault in that I assume that the majority of members on this site review all new postings.