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08-08-2011, 12:49 PM | #1 |
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1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
One question I have regarding coolant use. I fill her up, doesn't seem to leak at all, the exhaust isn't an unusual color and there's no coolant in the oil but the coolant level drops during use. I've replaced the hoses, rad cap and thermostat and she runs pretty cool. Well, unless I let her run out of coolant.
What do you think? Anything I should be looking at? I know she's an old lady and deserves to be a little demanding at times, but I don't want her to hurt herself. -Steve
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1969 Chevrolet 4x4 C10 Pickup |
08-08-2011, 12:57 PM | #2 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
How much are you replacing and how often? To what level in radiator are you filling it to? These older system find a level about 3 inches below the neck, filling above this just goes out the overflow hose while your driving.
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08-08-2011, 01:06 PM | #3 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
I usually fill to the bottom of the neck, anytime I look and see it low. 3" below would sound about the level it's finding, because when I fill the rad it'll take about half a gallon to fill it completely.
Maybe I'm overfilling? I'll pay specific attention to the level next time and if it's 3" I won't worry about it. Thanks for the info ... -Steve
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1969 Chevrolet 4x4 C10 Pickup |
08-08-2011, 01:09 PM | #4 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
most likey a pinhole in the radiator ,get a pressure tester and see if you can find the pinhole or crack tank or seam .
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08-08-2011, 01:27 PM | #5 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
OK, thanks. I have some surgery planned on the truck so a little downtime required. I'll pull the radiator and take it to the shop to be checked/tested/repaired.
-Steve
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1969 Chevrolet 4x4 C10 Pickup |
08-08-2011, 01:57 PM | #6 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
My original motor was that way, no external leak and no water in the oil. Replaced the intake gaskets which helped. Head gasket went shortly after. I would do both
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'72 cheyenne super step, '05 long bed gmc |
08-08-2011, 06:51 PM | #7 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
people waste alot of coolant by filling when the engine is not up to temp and filling to the bottom of the neck
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08-08-2011, 09:14 PM | #8 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
I remember reading somewhere, (the source escapes me at the moment), that the level should be about 4" from the filler. However, if you are losing coolant, it's possible you're losing it as steam. When the surrounding air is hot enough, steam is quite dry so you may see no evidence of it.
Performing, or having a pressure test performed would be a wise decision. |
08-09-2011, 07:57 AM | #9 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
Do you have an overflow bottle? There may be a leak in the hose going to it. As said, a pressure test would be a good tool to help diagnose.
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08-09-2011, 09:09 AM | #10 |
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Re: 1969 C10 8/350 coolant usage
Its common for the coolant to stay about 3" below filler when cold. Driving my 5th, 67-72 model, 25 years and alot of miles - its always the same.
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