Lister CD 8HP named Ray

cobbadog wrote:

Good old Silver frost, I too had done that many years ago but it had to be the one that had aluminium powder in it to fill the gaps

Yep, He used to use the Sludge on the Bottom of the Tin, You Weren't allowed to Stir or shake the Tin..!!

When using solid copper head gaskets a sealer should be applied where there is oil or coolant galleries. I use compostion head gaskets on BSA and Norton twins, and have less oil leaks than copper head gaskets.

Well this is the biggest clue to the lock ups. Totally blocked on this side but not so bad on the other and is why I could pour coolant into the radiator and get it to run out of the drain tap easily. But this side was almost like clay as you can see in my hand. I dug around inside for a long time dragging out dirt and clay until I could not reach it with my fingers so out came the air blower and 100psi got things on the move.

Looking down the water jackets that go to the head are now clean enough. Then the opening on the opposite side where the radiator support bracket attaches to was open and only a small amount of crap at that opening. Just some of the dirt that was dug out on the first side. Radiator outlet side clean again.

Would that be many years of using dam water as coolant and never flushing it out?

Exactly. Strange how down one side was all clear and coolant could easily pass through. This side was totally bloked across the front and down the side. Took some doingto clear it across the cylinder as there is a recess for the camshaft that makes it narrow. All clear now.

Cobbadog
Now that you have identified the problem, I think it would be wise to get the water jacket watertight and fill it with tap water and a packet of washing soda (not washing powder) and let it sit for a week before hosing it all out. Cobbarette may have some washing soda hanging around, if not buy it from the supermarket.
Washing soda will dissolve (or suspend? I am not a chemist) any particles of mud in places you cannot reach.

The cause of your problem gives new meaning to the saying "Clear as mud"

Cobbadog,
On re-reading your last post, I see you mentioned a radiator. The radiator should be filled with water and washing soda as well.

Hi Morris, I have a good supply of caustic soda, (washing soda) and once I get the side plate and radiator bracket back on thats is whats going to happen. The radiator was reconditioned not too long ago and is clear as a bell inside. Engine has not run 4 hours running time since the radiator went on and always had coolant in it as well.

caustic soda and wsshing soda are totally different chemicals