Radiator Overflow Container

[SierraMtns]

I found a radiator overflow container to make it a closed system. I am planning on putting it where the windshield wiper fluid container is located.

I have a quick question - can I route the hose down along the bottom of the radiator? Or would it be better to route the hose up along the top of the radiator? I don't want the elevation to be too steep to not allow the antifreeze to come and go.

Picture of where it will be located.





Thanks

[Stocker]

No problem going under the radiator. Mine is routed under the fan shroud and works just fine. I'm sure you know this, but you'll need a radiator cap for a closed system.

[SierraMtns]

Originally Posted by Stocker

No problem going under the radiator. Mine is routed under the fan shroud and works just fine. I'm sure you know this, but you'll need a radiator cap for a closed system.

No I did not know that. Here is the cap I have now.

Will this work?

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by SierraMtns

No I did not know that. Here is the cap I have now.

Will this work?

I'm really interested in the answer here, too!
Sam

[Stocker]

Nope, that appears to be a standard cap, not for a sealed system. Problem with them is they'll puke excess fluid out when hot, but they won't suck fluid back into the overflow tank as the engine cools.

[SierraMtns]

Originally Posted by Stocker

No problem going under the radiator. Mine is routed under the fan shroud and works just fine. I'm sure you know this, but you'll need a radiator cap for a closed system.

Originally Posted by Stocker

Nope, that appears to be a standard cap, not for a sealed system. Problem with them is they'll puke excess fluid out when hot, but they won't suck fluid back into the overflow tank as the engine cools.

Do you have a picture of the one used for a closed system?

[Stocker]

Well, I've been doing a bit of research and apparently you can't tell just by looking.... I got a pic on NAPA's website but they say it's for an open system HOWEVER it happens to look the same as mine. Here it is:


The difference (open or closed system) is in the way the rubber gaskets are made & positioned. Any auto parts store worth their salt should be able to set you up.

[geezer#99]

To save in your auto parts store hassle, just ask for one from a mid 80's truck.

[SierraMtns]

Cool thanks everyone for the help.

[BLT gmc]

The closed system cap will have to rubber sealing surfaces. If it has a rubber seal for the rim and another rubber seal for down inside the bottom of the neck; it is for a closed system and will work with an overflow tank. An open system will only have one rubber seal. Bruce

[jimbosprint]

I just learned why the overflow never worked in my Nova!

I guess my truck has an overflow with an open system cap too. I think I'll just gonna ditch the overflow tank for now, maybe add it back later.

[bonnieclyde100]

is there any advantage to going with one of the closed systems as opposed to a open system with a overflow catch can? if i understand his catch can will be pressurized right?

[bonnieclyde100]

as i understand is those systems are for vehicles where the top off the radiator is not the highest point in the cooling system so they put the pressurized catch can at the highest point so there will not be any air trapped in the engine and cause to overheat. so is there any advantage of using that system on a vehicle where the radiator is the highest point?

[bonnieclyde100]

scratch that i just found my own answer on line i misunderstood what system he was actually using. i thought his catch can would be pressurized.

[csfields]

I added a aluminum tub style to the core support and ran the line from the radiator under the core support and up the side.

[davepl]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

To save in your auto parts store hassle, just ask for one from a mid 80's truck.

Q: What kind of truck?
A: Doesn't matter, so say Chevrolet

Q: What year?
A: No idea. Let's say 1985

Q: Two wheel drive or four wheel drive?
A: I just need a gas cap...

Q: Diesel or gasoline?
A: Gasoline

Q: Which model?
A: I have no idea. What models were there? Silverado? Does that work?

Q: And which engine?
A: What are my choices?

Q: I don't know.
A: Let's guess 350 then.

Q: Ok. I have one in the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan store. They're out of stock in the warehouse now but if you give me your credit card I can order one and we'll call you when it comes in.

...and if you think that's bad, try it for a Canadian Pontiac where you have to lie half the time and ask for Impala parts.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by SierraMtns

I found a radiator overflow container to make it a closed system. I am planning on putting it where the windshield wiper fluid container is located. Picture of where it will be located.

I kinda did the same thing, however I re-located the washer reservoir to the L fender.

I simply got another washer reservoir at the local u-pull-it and put it on the L fender. Then, after I relocated the hose to the new washer location, I put a rubber plug on what would become my new coolant reservoir. I then poked a hole in the top of the cap and jammed a hose through it to about 1/4" from the bottom of the reservoir, and sealed it with silicone top and bottom. That was 20 years ago.

I routed the hose over the top and used a y adaptor with a cap on it to get the hose turned around the other direction near the cap. However, I like the pic of the one by csfields with the hose going below, and that would look cleaner and you wouldn't need the hokey looking y adaptor to get the hose going the right direction.

[Wizo]

Hello SierraMtns: Ron here,for what its worth I just plumbed an overflow tank like csfields just did and it does exactly what i wanted it to do. i filled the radiator with antifreeze to the top (on a cold engine) put the cap on and fired it up to running temp. All the excess fluid went into the overflow. The next morning I checked the overflow and all the antifreeze went back into the radatior.Success. Just my two cents.

[SierraMtns]

I went with an OEM overflow tank to convert it to a sealed system vs just an overflow container. From my understanding, the sealed system has the hose routed to the bottom of the tank. When the system heats up and expands it allows the fluid to flow into the tank, allowing the gasses to escape out the top but not losing fluid. When the system cools down the fluid returns back into the radiator; the water-sealed tank acts like a one-way valve. The reason for making the system sealed is to cut down on corrosion.

I am still not sure if the tank needs to be higher than the radiator cab. Or if it even makes a difference. This tank was taken off of a 90's Chevy truck and if I remember right it was a little higher than the radiator fill cap.

[Wizo]

personally;I don't think it matters.

[Stocker]

Nope, height of the tank doesn't matter. And the tank setup used by csfields and Wizo does the same job as an OEM recovery tank. It just looks better doing it!

[PanelDeland]

Originally Posted by jimbosprint

I just learned why the overflow never worked in my Nova!

I guess my truck has an overflow with an open system cap too. I think I'll just gonna ditch the overflow tank for now, maybe add it back later.

Instead of just changing the cap?

[88Stanger]

Dang been awhile for this one but Great info here, thanks. Working on this exact thing.

[18Z]

csfields and Wizo, Where did you get your overflow tanks from?

Thanks 18Z

[webfoot]

Gm 14070997 tank
15630112 tank cap

Personally I'd just bolt it to the pass side inner fender and not run the hose clear under the radiator.