Radiator Overflow Tube Problem

[gag1025]

The barbed fitting on the radiator is 3/8". The overflow reservoir (pictured below) has 1/4" fittings. I cannot find a metal 3/8" to 1/4" reducer to allow me to hook the overflow tubes up. Did any of you have the same issue? If you did, what was the solution?

[Speedbumpauto]

You force a piece of 3/16 or so vacuum tubing over the fitting and that acts as a bushing for the 3/8 hose. Ya might have to grunt a little or use some silicone but it will work and looks pretty good too.

[gag1025]

Thanks Speedbumpauto. That is a great way to solve the problem. My question to the manufacturers of the overflow resevoir is why do you not use a 3'8" tube instead of the 1'4" tube that makes us have to make modifications when the simple thing would be to make things that fit.

[Speedbumpauto]

My guess is that those tubes, except for the top, were manufactured for some other purpose and some entrepenurial type saw it and thought, with minor modification, it would be a great overflow tank that a profit could be made from. Unfortunately the mods didn't include resizing the tubes, only the screw on top.

[mr48chev]

Look outside the truck box http://www.hydroponics.net/i/139702 A local garden supply, irrigation supply or hydrophonics supply probably has them.


Or check Grainger if you want brass http://www.grainger.com/product/PARK...UH3?s_pp=false

If you live in farm country you might also check the farm equipment store that handles spray equipment as they usually have a big variety of small tubing fittings.

[_Ogre]

when i manufactured this one i used 3/8'' tubes.
make your own, i have a couple bucks in this one

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by Speedbumpauto

You force a piece of 3/16 or so vacuum tubing over the fitting and that acts as a bushing for the 3/8 hose. Ya might have to grunt a little or use some silicone but it will work and looks pretty good too.

Your wifes hairdryer on cooler setting helps make the "bushing" more flexible.

[gag1025]

All great ideas. Thanks.

[57chevyman]

I used windshield washer tubing and hose clamps.

[55metalmonkey]

1/4" to 3/8" barbed reducer. should be able to pick one up at the local parts store

[fabguy]

Originally Posted by Speedbumpauto

You force a piece of 3/16 or so vacuum tubing over the fitting and that acts as a bushing for the 3/8 hose. Ya might have to grunt a little or use some silicone but it will work and looks pretty good too.

That's what I did. I ran it on both though. 1 to the radiator, and 1 just past the frame. I ran the second so just incase the tank over flows and the fluid is dumped out it won't get all over my engine and firewall. It won't stop it but the majority will end up on the road.