What else to do while replacing rad?

[TVZ]

Hi All--

While I’ve got the hood off to replace the radiator on my 9n, do you recommend replacing/servicing any other particular parts? I know I need to get the top & bottom pads for the radiator, and might as well replace the hoses. How about the following, considering how often they go bad, and how big a job it is? (As somewhat less than the handiest mechanic around, sometimes it’s best for me to leave well-enough alone.)

-Water pump?
-Thermostat?
-Fan belt (looks ok)
-Other? (My wires are fairly new)

I see that the heavy-duty rad sold on this site does not fit with the shroud. Is that important? (I’m in northern Michigan; don’t use it much in very hot weather.)

Thanks a ton for your thoughts!

-TVZ

 

[KL-VA]

I worry about any radiator that admits not fitting. You may not need a shroud but if the cap won't sit right on the hood, you may be buying another (better) radiator. Most of the ill-fitting replacements can be made to work if you aren't too particular about appearance. I had one that needed 1/4" spacers under the pads to clear the bump in the middle of the axle.

I would look very closely at the fan blades. Make sure the rivets are all tight and none of the blades are bent. It's a real shame to have a loose blade wipe out a new radiator.

Then mission creep starts. Is the steering good and tight? Does all the wiring behind the dash look good? Is the axle pivot in good shape?
Does the governor leak?

 

[R Geiger]

If you are going to replace the hoses you may as well install a new thermostat. Use hose clamp to keep in place. plastic tyes have been know to break.

 

[TVZ]

Thanks KL. When you say "the cap won't sit right on the hood," can you explain what to watch for? Is it that the cap might be too tight against the top of the hood? Would that put strain on the radiator when you go through uneven terrain?
Thanks again
TVZ

 

[TVZ]

Thanks R.. I'm assuming that replacing the hoses is
pretty easy once you've got the rad off?

 

[oldtanker]

While you got all that stuff off put a good set of point and condenser in!

Rick

 

[Caryc]

You say the fan belt looks OK but for the price of a new fan belt, I'd replace it. Yours is "used".

Of course my 8N has a FEL so I would think like that.

 

[TVZ]

Thanks for the suggestion, Caryc. But I have to
admit, I don't have a clue--What's a FEL?

 

[Caryc]

(quoted from post at 10:17:34 09/18/11) Thanks for the suggestion, Caryc. But I have to
admit, I don't have a clue--What's a FEL?

Font End Loader. I have to remove the pump to get a new fan belt on it.