1970 Radiator Question

[Don Justham]

The overflow hose works because the last few time I ran the car it flowed out when I stopped the car. It has done this a couple of time. I checked the radiator fluid tonight and the level was down about three inches from the opening. Is this normal? I guess when pressure builds up it has to go somewhere. Thanks for the help.

[Dennis C.]

Re: 1970 Radiator Question

Don, As noted on the side of the expansion tank, level should be 1/2 full when cold. You have found out what happens when you overfill. Best, Dennis

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970 Radiator Question

Don,

My guess is that you don't have an overflow tank, but rather have a radiator with the overflow hose coming off the fill opening on the radiator itself.

In any event, Dennis is correct. It was still overfull. It will reach its proper level if allowed to "burp" enough. There is a fill line on the passenger's side of the radiator (if still your original) that might help you.

Patrick

[Chris H.]

Re: 1970 Radiator Question

Big Blocks, if under filled, have a tendency to "burp" upon shutdown, a result of coolant hitting "hot spots" and then boiling/burping.

I always drill an 1/8 hole in the thermostat to release any trapped air during the cooolant fill process.