Adding a Coolant Overflow Tank

If the level in the top tank is below the input to the radiator from the engine, there will be aeration from the splash. If the bubbles make it to the water pumps, I don't know. If they do, the pumps will push them into the water jackets. We know that is not a good scenario.
 
OK, don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up.
It is a fact of life the heat expands, cold contracts.. Air intrainment in the coolant is not a good thing, the cooling effect of the coolant, regardless of what it is, is reduced with air in the system. After several recycles of the coolant via a recovery tank the air in the system is purged.
The volume contained in the recovery tank does not add anything in the way of cooling, it just minimizes unnecessary coolant loss and removes air from the system.
It is a fact that inexpensive plastic recovery tanks can be purchased from any major auto parts store, however, in many cases the space for a tank is limited, therefore a small 2" vertical tank is very desirable.
 
What brand tank/cap is everyone going with? My goal would be a solution that I could remove (I don't want to drill any holes). Pics would be great.

Thanks!

-Brian
 
just a heads up a lot of people use an of the shelf recovery tank designed for modern engines but dont realise that modern engines dont carry as much coolant as the average flathead given that an average flathead holds 20L [?gal] with an expansion rate of ten percent [water] from 20deg /100deg the volume of your coolant [water based as most are] will increase /expand by 2L[1 quart] you will need around 2quart [4L] volume in the tank being 1L reserve 2L expansion room and 1L freespace quite a sizable tank
 
I have a '48 radiator with the original neck. I have a 4 pound cap. I have tried at my local parts store, but I can't get a recovery type cap in that size. Does someone know a manufacturer or part number?
 
69a said:
I have a '48 radiator with the original neck. I have a 4 pound cap. I have tried at my local parts store, but I can't get a recovery type cap in that size. Does someone know a manufacturer or part number?
Click to expand...


I would doubt that your '48 radiator, if it is original, has a neck that is designed for a pressure cap... From my experience, pressurized systems did not start to appear on vehicles until the mid '50's. My '53 Olds Super 88 has a 7.lb cap. My 56 Bird and '59 F100 both have 15 lb systems.
Most modern radiator caps are pretty well generic, 7lb being the lightest, 15lb on the high side.
 
blucar said:
I would doubt that your '48 radiator, if it is original, has a neck that is designed for a pressure cap... From my experience, pressurized systems did not start to appear on vehicles until the mid '50's. My '53 Olds Super 88 has a 7.lb cap. My 56 Bird and '59 F100 both have 15 lb systems.
Most modern radiator caps are pretty well generic, 7lb being the lightest, 15lb on the high side.
Click to expand...

I have an original radiator. It has aprox 2" neck and a 4 lb cap with two seals and the overflow exiting between the seals, (in the neck obviously). A recovery cap has a one way valve in the lower portion of the cap to allow the fluid to be sucked back when cooling down.
Does anyone manufacture a 2" cap with a recovery valve?
 
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