B radiator re-assembly

[Two-cylinder guy]

I'm getting ready to re-assemble my '44 B radiator and it's my first time to re-do a radiator. The core is new, I bought a new bolt kit and good cork gaskets, and the parts and pieces are painted and beautiful.
Should I use a silicone sealant with the gaskets? If not a silicone sealant - then what?
I know about getting the core fins facing the right way........what other pitfalls and lessons learned do I not know about? Thanks for your input.

 

[machineryman]

Never liked the silicone, but rather the indian head by sealer, John Deere has something similar. A light coat to stick it together...working the bolt patter from the center ourwards, alternating to get an even pattern and not overtightning the bolts as to allow for operating expansion back and forth. There is a technique in installing.

 

[IowaJohn]

Fins tilt down front to back. run a small straight wire thru the rad. Keeps the dust from hanging up in the fins. Not a big deal on a tractor for parade or show.

 

[gtx1967jewison]

Not a fan of cork gaskets at all. I'd use the paper ones with Indian Head

 

[Two-cylinder guy]

I'll try the Indian Head with the cork gaskets. Any advantage of using cork over paper or vice-versa?

 

[Two-cylinder guy]

Also, I noticed there's no lock washers in the new bolt kit. Why is that? I'm assuming nuts will back off over time without lock washers.....with all that vibration. I'm tempted to use some thread locker on them.

 

[matthies]

I always used paper gaskets and No. 2 Permatex, not a leak yet, done 5 or 6 the last few years. Paper won't push out like cork will, and with cork they will really slide with silicone. Lock washers and never seize. chris

 

[MBdeere]

forget the lock washers. never have seen that on a radiator

 

[Kent Petersen]

i would say get the paper gaskets or you will be sorry