where should top of overflow be in relation to top of radiator???

[willett]

Hey guys,

I'm running a 454 with a 4 core rad in my '78 and i've noticed that cold the coolant level is below the top of the rad fins, and the overflow bottle is always almost empty.

I pulled my overflow bottle this morning because I assumed that it was cracked and found that it was fine.

I did however notice that the overflow tube on the overflow bottle is the same level that the coolant in my rad sits at cold ( about 6" below the top of the rad)

is it right that my overflow bottle is that far below the top of the rad, or should the overflow bottle overflow tube be closer to the top of the rad???


I dont really have any overheating problems, but summer is coming and I don't wish to have any in the coming months.
thanks,
Spencer

[csb#356]

It doesnt really matter, you could put the overflow tank in the bed if you wanted. When the engine is cold the coolant level should be all the way full up to the cap and then fill the overflow tank to its cold level. Good to go.

[Keith Seymore]

Agree.

The overall system will be a "closed" system, in that it should push the coolant out of the rad into the bottle when it heats up, and then suck the fluid back out of the bottle when it cools down.

It has to have a full system to do this, allowing it to suck back in via capillary action (a vaccuum).

Has the vertical hose fallen off the bottle cap, or is it missing? Otherwise you just have a bottle to catch any overflow, rather than a "surge tank" system.

Try it again with the radiator full (cold), and full to the cold mark in the bottle. Make sure there are no holes/leaks in the transfer hose.

K

[willett]

Replaced my bottle because I broke the old one whole trying to get it out to inspect it, hose is good. Topped up rad. Drove it for 30 mins. Look underneath and VOILA! MY intake manifold decided to start pissing coolant. :|. Looks like I'm taking the ford camping after all :|
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