[Ford-ferguson] Replacing upper radiator hose on 2N Ford-Ferguson

[Mike Sloane]

On 7/9/2010 1:18 PM, C.J. Wilhelmi wrote:
> Hello!
>
> I just got the lower radiator hose replaced on my 2N, then found
> there is fluid leaking from the top hose connection of the upper
> radiator hosel Again, I haven't touched it before so I don't know
> what it looks like under there. The hose appears to be leaking only
> when fluid is added to the radiator, but I want to fix it correctly.
>
> It looks like the hose clamp is attached in such a way that the hood
> will have to be removed in order to reach it. There is also an add-on
> "optional" air intake emerging near the steering wheel, which I must
> detach in order to get the hood off. I have no directions anywhere on
> how to get that removed, pull the steering wheel, then take off the
> hood. (I remember when I used to say, "I liked challenges." Ha.)
First off, you should not have to remove the hood/tank to tighten the 
clamps the hose, but I have to say that it would make it much easier. To 
remove the hood, the steering wheel does NOT have come off - the 
instrument panel stays on the tractor. If memory serves, there are 4 
screws around the back of the hood that attach the hood to the 
instrument panel and two bolts at the bottom of the "dog leg" supports. 
Of course, you have to drain the gas tank and remove the fuel line and 
headlight wires. It sounds like a big deal, but it is not. It does, 
however, help to have two people doing the lifting, as it is an awkward 
piece to handle. I managed by myself, but I had no choice (nobody around 
that I would trust to help).

Here is an image of the whole hood assembly removed from my tractor:
<http://public.fotki.com/mikesloane/1946_ford_2n/2n_hood_painting4.html>

You should note that the 9N and 2n upper radiator hose was also where 
Ford chose to put the cooling system thermostat. So, if just tightening 
the hose clamps won't stop the leak and replacing the hose is in order, 
you should also purchase a new thermostat.

I can't help you with the after-market air cleaner, but I am guessing 
that a couple of screws should be all that is necessary to remove it. 
You can see what the stock air cleaner looks like and what the tractor 
looks like with the hood off here:
<http://public.fotki.com/mikesloane/1946_ford_2n/2n_coming_together10.html>

Feel free to contact me off-line - I have a LOT more images than are o 
the Fotki albums.

Mike
>
> The hose appears to be leaking only when fluid is added to the
> radiator, but I want it fixed correctly. Can anyone tell me how to
> get to the upper radiator hose? There may be a better way than what I
> see from the "left-front wheel chair" part of the tractor. :O) (If
> you can send me a web site, I'd be grateful for that - as I know
> direction-writing takes time. )
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> Cynthia _______________________________________________ Ford-ferguson
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