Over flow

[rikbar]

Hey everyone,
just have a quick question, my truck has a 350, w/ stock rad. it runs about 190/195 degrees on highway. Everytime I stop and shut off the motor, it spits some antifreeze on the ground from the overflow. Should I be looking at a rad. cap? or put on a overflow bottle?
Thanks for your time.

Rik

[Greg63]

I would go with an overflow bottle.
I took the bottle and holder for the widshield washer fluid and am using that for my overflow. It looks like it should be there and it works great.
Greg.

[ClassicAutoResto]

The nice thing is there are endless possibilities for custom overflow bottles. Colored juice jugs, thermos, small aluminum tank, the new Heinekin mini keg, etc., etc.

[MacAttack]

Most definitely an over-flow bottle. Are you running a shroud? Do you run a stock fan, or one with a modern design? Running that high at speed would drive me nuts.

[rikbar]

Thanks guys, will add an overflow for it.
The truck has the original shroud and stock fan. Not sure what thermostat it has in it yet. Again thanks.

[salazar44]

Originally Posted by MacAttack

Most definitely an over-flow bottle. Are you running a shroud? Do you run a stock fan, or one with a modern design? Running that high at speed would drive me nuts.

you think 190 is high?

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by salazar44

you think 190 is high?

In a new vehicle - no (because of emissions, etc). With older rigs, on the highway in the desert - at noon - uphill on a grade, 190/195 is fine - at 70 mph. But on level ground - same conditions, 175/180 is what I consider "normal'.

Idling in a drive-thru on a 90 degree day - you can expect 200/205, but that's no load and a different thing. JMO.

[Fred T]

Originally Posted by MacAttack

In a new vehicle - no (because of emissions, etc). With older rigs, on the highway in the desert - at noon - uphill on a grade, 190/195 is fine - at 70 mph. But on level ground - same conditions, 175/180 is what I consider "normal'.

Idling in a drive-thru on a 90 degree day - you can expect 200/205, but that's no load and a different thing. JMO.

I agree. Us old guys have to stick together! Vehicles of this era were designed to run about 180* when the summertime temps were under 95 or so. Pickups were designed to run at 60 or less. Also, a clutchless cooling fan becomes a power loss above 30 mph.

As for coolant loss, it was a problem, but not that bad. The trick was to find the best level for each vehicle. The books said 1" below the filler neck, but as long as the core was covered it was okay. If there were no problems with the cooling system, the level would self correct by relieving itself when the level was too high. Once you found the level, you didn't fill above that level.

My 52 doesn't have an overflow bottle, and she rarely leaves a puddle on the drive. And she ain't housebroke!

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by Fred T

My 52 doesn't have an overflow bottle, and she rarely leaves a puddle on the drive. And she ain't housebroke!

Okay Fred, that's funny!

[mr48chev]

If you install the overflow jug you should upgrade to a cap made to work with an overflow jug system.

I run overflow jugs on everything I own as I don't want to endanger any pets that may be around the cars when they are sitting there or after I pull out.

[ClassicAutoResto]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

If you install the overflow jug you should upgrade to a cap made to work with an overflow jug system.

I run overflow jugs on everything I own as I don't want to endanger any pets that may be around the cars when they are sitting there or after I pull out.

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by Fred T

I agree. Us old guys have to stick together! Vehicles of this era were designed to run about 180* when the summertime temps were under 95 or so. Pickups were designed to run at 60 or less. Also, a clutchless cooling fan becomes a power loss above 30 mph.

As for coolant loss, it was a problem, but not that bad. The trick was to find the best level for each vehicle. The books said 1" below the filler neck, but as long as the core was covered it was okay. If there were no problems with the cooling system, the level would self correct by relieving itself when the level was too high. Once you found the level, you didn't fill above that level.

My 52 doesn't have an overflow bottle, and she rarely leaves a puddle on the drive. And she ain't housebroke!

That is consistent with my experience!

[Ironhorse]

Seen your posting concerning the overflow. I had the same problem on my '71 4x4 and made an overflow bottle for it from a w/s washer tank, bracket and cap as mentioned afore. I was able to make two of them using the GM overflow return cap scoring two caps that have been dis-continued and are a no stock item now. Really don't need two. If interested PM me, don't want to turn this into a parts for sale add and up-set a Moderator.