Where is the water going?

K

KNicholas2

Junior Member
After only a few hours of driving my ‘32 coupe I find that the water level in the radiator is significantly low.
I have checked the oil - no water in the oil.
There is no water/antifreeze on the shop floor.
There is no visible steam or boil over.
What am I missing ?

Thank you
 
These monsters throw out any water that they don't need. To the new owner, the level might seem low but so long as the tubes are covered, all is good. Put in any more water than that and it will be thrown out as the motor warms up.
Hope that helps.
 
But how “low” can I allow the level to get below I get concerned?
It takes about a quart of water and I cannot visualize the top of the liquid in the radiator.
 
Even with the level below the baffle, since it is a vented system, some will evaporate and leave via the overflow tube. We need to keep an eye on it and "top it up" as needed. I certainly am spoiled by modern cars that are closed systems and are almost maintenance-free.
 
If you want to, you can push a hose onto the overflow tube and then hang a jug in the engine compartment, run the hose into it, to the bottom of the jug. The overflow will be captured, and then as the engine cools it will suck it back in. Make sure your radiator cap is sealed. If not put a gasket in it. This isnt necessary, as the A normally runs a quart or more low but its a troubleshooting tool or peace of mind thing.
 
50 + years ago when I was a new owner I thought my A was overheating, NO it was me a new owner over filling the radiator ! Coolant level just below the baffle, IF your loosing coolant out of the overflow you could put an roofing nail in the tube under the radiator cap as suggested by R.I.P. Bill Williamson !
 
Big hammer said:
50 + years ago when I was a new owner I thought my A was overheating, NO it was me a new owner over filling the radiator ! Coolant level just below the baffle, IF your loosing coolant out of the overflow you could put an roofing nail in the tube under the radiator cap as suggested by R.I.P. Bill Williamson !
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Gone but not forgotten !
 
Thank you everyone!
I guess I am so used to a closed system, that I was not expecting so much evaporation. For now I will stop worrying about it and just monitor.
 
As the coolant (water) heats up it expands and the excess goes out the overflow tube.
 
Carry some coolant with you and if the car overheats and produces steam you can add some after it cools down enough to stop boiling. This will give you some peace of mind. If it is not overheating then don't worry. If you are out in the middle of nowhere without any coolant or water to add to the radiator, you can always piss in it.
 
There may be a "Gatorade" bottle visible in the picture that is attached to my overflow tube:D.

We have dogs so as many know; antifreeze and dogs do not mix...
I am looking for one of the "tool boxes" that fits in front of the radiator between the fenders so I can mount a real overflow in that space. If anyone has one please let me know...
 

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DNLs1930 said:
There may be a "Gatorade" bottle visible in the picture that is attached to my overflow tube:D.

We have dogs so as many know; antifreeze and dogs do not mix...
I am looking for one of the "tool boxes" that fits in front of the radiator between the fenders so I can mount a real overflow in that space. If anyone has one please let me know...
Click to expand...

I appreciate your concerns with animals and antifreeze!! Running with the level just below the baffle and or with Bill W trick, roofing nail in the overflow tube under the radiator cap should keep the antifreeze in your radiators.
Can you install a 1 1/4 pipe along your radiator where the overflow lives? White PVC could be painted black, install a drain valve in the bottom.
 
I made a “sight glass” out of clear tubing. It’s connected to the drain valve and runs along the side of the radiator shell. The water level stabilized about an inch and a half above the radiator tubes. I haven’t added water/antifreeze in about 3000 miles. This is on a ‘29, not sure about the setup a ‘32
 
Dean Lemoine said:
I made a “sight glass” out of clear tubing. It’s connected to the drain valve and runs along the side of the radiator shell. The water level stabilized about an inch and a half above the radiator tubes. I haven’t added water/antifreeze in about 3000 miles. This is on a ‘29, not sure about the setup a ‘32
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nkaminar said:
Dean, neat idea. Thanks.
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Overkill on my part but a few months ago with nothing to do I fabbed up this little sight glass for my radiator. Tried to make it a little "Steam Punk". Have yet to install tho. Just thought I would share.

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Rig up a plastic bottle to catch the overflow. Put it back in, and the level should be about the same. If not it's a crack, or a head gasket. (out the tailpipe in water vapor).
 
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