Removing / Installing Radiator 1939 Plymouth

[Richard Cope]

In the next few weeks going to be changing the radiator on my 39 Plymouth w/ stock engine and at that time going to also add a pusher fan.  According to the manual, remove the hood, lower side panels, hose connections, wiring, three screws on each side and then the radiator core can then be lifted out.  Has anyone followed this procedure, appears that the water pump will also have to be removed as space it very tight.  Will probably remove the water pump, since will be installing a pusher fan this will give extra space when putting it back in.   I have one of Andy's new water pumps, on the lower drivers side is a threaded opening with a hex plug (not in the original pump) screwed in, appears to be the same thread size as a temperature sensor probe.  Installing a probe in this locations would put it  directly in front of the hole in the block for coolant (see photos).   Would seem to be a good location to put a probe, however concerned that it may block the flow a little.  Has anyone used one of these new water pumps and if so have you replaced this plug with a sensor?  Appreciate your comments,

Regards Richard

 

 

 

[desoto1939]

Rich, Rich Hartung with the 39 Desoto.  On your original 39 Plymouth there would have been three studs that were threaded and these went thru the water pump body and the unit was then bolted to the fron of the engine block.  On the new pump that you got from Andy B  the body is thicker where the outlet hose connects so this unit will not bolt upto the original setup. You will have to remove the lower studs and use the bolt that came with the unit. Just anted to let you know this prior to trying to install the WP.  The original WP body at this section was only approx. 1/2 thick and this permits the stud to stick out the hole and then you can use the original nut.

 

Also when installing the WP make sure that you clean and use some emery paper on the front of the engine block to get rid of any left over sealant or gaskets. If there is any thing left on the face of the block you willhave a leak.  Also put some white grease on both sides of the wp gasket to help create a good seal.

 

Cal me if you have any questions.  You need the early water pump body and not the newer version of the repro water pump or you will have to pull the stud and since the studs has been in the block a long time there isa great chance that it will snap off with threads still in the front of the block.

 

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

Cell 484-431-8157

[JerseyHarold]

I'd slide a piece of carboard between the radiator and fan blade so you don't damage the radiator when you lift it out.