Radiator Overflow Tank

T

tsanborn

Member
I'm tired of cleaning up the coolant mess on my garage floor in the morning after driving my '56 Country Sedan in warm weather. It's not dumping coolant when I shut it down but I guess the coolant temperature continues to increase from residual engine heat. I have what I think is the stock overflow tube routed to the bottom of the radiator where it dumps on the floor. Obviously, I need to add a radiator overflow tank to capture the overflow coolant. Are there any particulars I should be looking for when I order one? Route fluid to the bottom of the overflow tank? How high should it be mounted?

Many thanks,

Tom
 
If you aren't leaving an inch or two expansion space below the filler neck, yes, it will puke coolant when you shut it off. The engine temperature will actually warm up somewhat for a short time after shut down due to the fact that the coolant is no longer circulating and there is no air flow through the radiator.

I use a universal recovery tank on the Merc. Most auto parts stores have them or can get them. Get the larger version for V8s. Mine is mounted on the core support to the left of the radiator. Mount it as high as possible. Route the coolant to the bottom of the tank. When you fill it bring the level up to about 1/2 way between the "full when cold" and the "full when hot" lines. It might puke some of that out but it will find its level after that. Keep an eye on it for a few drive cycles and top it up as needed. If you let the tank run dry air will be drawn into your cooling system.
 
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I use a generic one NAPA ordered for me. I mounted in on the inside of the fenderwell.
 
I have a cylindrical overflow tank on my 54. Attached to the left side of the radiator core support Used one like this. Summit and Jegs have them. Different sizes. As was mentioned, do not fill up to the top of the radiator. About 1 to 2 inches down, make sure top of fins are covered.
 

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You will need a coolant recovery type radiator cap for it to pull coolant back into radiator. Just my experience with them.
 
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