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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 397
Location: Milano, Italy | I searched the posts since the year 2000 but I couldn't find any related subject. My question is: Has anybody already tried to add an overflow tank to the radiator of an FL car? As far as I know, it is necessary to replace the cap with another one having a valve for suctioninmg the tank of the overfill water once it has cooled. Any suggestion? Which cap one should choose? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406
Location: Hilltown, PA |
I'm surprised no one has responded. This used to be a common, and simple, upgrade to help keep the system air-free.
You are correct that a radiator cap designed for an overflow or expansion tank is needed to allow coolant to be drawn back into the radiator as the system cools down.
I would select one of the same pressure rating as what is already on the car. Although if your cooling system is "tight" and you have confidence in your heater core most recovery type systems used a 16-18psi cap.
Be sure your expansion tank either has an inlet on the bottom, or has a dip tube that reaches almost the bottom of the tank.
BTW almost every motorsport venue I can think of requires this mod to any vehicle that will travel on the racing surface.
Gregg |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 397
Location: Milano, Italy | Thank you !
What attracts me to this modification is that there will be no more air into the cooling system, as the coolant has to be filled up to the cap, while the stock system needs the 2-3- inches of empty radiator to allow the coolant to expand. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 397
Location: Milano, Italy | I also guess the overflow tank has to be vented to function properly.
I have no idea on where to find an aftermarket overflow tank with a vented cap (or a pressure vented cap)
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Expert
Posts: 3774
Location: NorCal | Here's the overflow tank I use on my '57 Dodge, it's stainless steel so no rot or cracks. Lots of varieties diameter/length on E-bay. The tank has two small diameter nipples on the bottom, one is the inlet the other is a vent/overflow.
The sealed coolant-return radiator cap is generic depending on pressure.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-X15-2x15-Polished-Stainless-Steel-Radiato...
Edited by 57chizler 2018-07-06 12:19 PM
(Overflow.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- Overflow.JPG (140KB - 274 downloads)
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 9648
Location: So. Cal | Mine is much more hi-tech. I drill a hole into the cap of an empty quart of oil. Then I stick the hose from the radiator through the cap into the bottle. Jam the quart container behind or to the side of my battery, and I'm good to go. Works really well. The only cost is purchasing the right radiator cap and the hose. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 397
Location: Milano, Italy | Thank you all for the hints !
That one Hi-tech solution sounds very nice to me! :-))
I guess I'll take the necessary steps as soon as I replace the blown head gaskets I got from my last attempt to climb on the Alps.
Already found the proper radiator cap w/suction valve from summitracing.com
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