1938 LaSalle Production - GM Heritage Center

Whenever anti-freeze is to be installed, check over
the entire cooling system. Replace any worn hoses and
tighten all hose connections. Inspect water pump, fan
belt, and radiator shutters and thermostat for proper
operation. Clean cooling system thoroughly to remove
all rust and scale.
When glycerine or ethylene glycol are to be installed,
one special precaution must be taken. The cylinder
heads must be tightened thoroughly to prevent any possibility
of the cooling liquid getting into the engine
crankcase. If necessary, install new cylinder head
gaskets and tighten thoroughly.
Salt solutions, such as calcium chloride or magnesium
chloride, sodium silicate, kerosene, honey, glucose and sugar
solutions are not satisfactory for use in automobile radiators.
Use of Hydrometer—In using a hydrometer to determine
the temperature at which a solution will freeze, the
test must be made at the temperature at which the hydrometer
is calibrated. If the solution is warmer or colder, it
must be brought to this temperature or errors as large as 30
degrees F. may result.
Alcohol and methanol solutions
have, for all practical purposes, the
same specific gravity and they may be
tested with the same hydrometer and
mixed in the same solution. When
testing alcohol or methanol solutions, P
allowances must be made for the effect
of the inhibitor on the hydrometer
reading. With the inhibitor in
the cooling system, the actual freezing
temperature is five degrees higher
than indicated by the hydrometer.
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Storing the Car
If the car is to be stored for any length of time it is important
that a few precautions be taken to protect it from
deterioration. Blocking up the car to take the weight off
of the tires and placing a cover over the entire body will protect
the tires and finish. The engine and the storage battery,
however, require special attention.
The engine should be run until it is thoroughly warm.
The filterbowl should then be removed (see page 47) and the
engine run until all of the gasoline is drawn out of the pump
and the carburetor. The gasoline tank should be drained.
Oil should be injected into the cylinders while the engine
is still warm. This may be done by pouring two or three
tablespoonsful of engine oil into the spark plug holes. Cranking
the engine a few times after that is done will distribute
the oil evenly over the pistons and cylinder walls. The cooling
system should then be drained.
The battery should be fully charged and the solution
should be at the proper level. The battery should be disconnected
to avoid discharge through insulation leaks. If
possible, arrangements should be made to have the battery
charged from an outside source every two months during
the storage period.
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