8N Radiator Leak and Repair

I ran something into the radiator on my 1950 8N today. My plan is to remove the radiator tomorrow so a local shop can determine if it's repairable on Monday. A couple questions:

1. Without the full pressure from the radiator, should my tractor still start?

2. The impact was relatively light but I did hit a solid steel piece. The radiator is largely in tact and doesn't seem displaced. Any chance I damaged something else and if so, what are the likely candidates?

3. Finally, if I do have to replace the radiator, any opinions on whether it's worth the extra $100 for a "restoration" quality unit?

Thanks!
 
Most any engine should start and run with out even having a radiator in/on it. Ya you can not run it very long with out a cooling system but it will run with out one unless you have the front mount distributor which may have gotten wet when you hit what ever you hit and it is wet
 
Thanks...I was thinking it should've started. I topped it off with coolent and water mixture then tried to start it just to drive it back to the barn, but it just cranked without starting.

The wet distributor makes sense - it is a front mount. Think I'll need to get new points or could it dry out and connect after I put the repaired/replaced radiator back in.

I had planned to get some work done with it tomorrow, so now I just need to make sure I have it back up and running for next weekend!

Thanks again - your response is very helpful.
 
Thanks - have the radiator off to take to the shop today - with the distributor getting time to dry. I don't think I physically damaged it and don't see any signs of damage. Will let you know what happens when it's back together!
 
Problem solved. This is a lesson in always starting with the simple.

After confirming with my 12V tester that I wasn't getting power at the coil, I took it apart and confirmed it was dry, points were working, etc. Only then did I check all wiring for loose connections and discovered the wire from the 12V resistor to the coil had disconnected.

Thanks for your help and responses.

Also, the radiator shop confirmed that old radiator is tough and can be pretty easily repaired.
 

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