1971 350 w/AC coolant capacity

[Patrick H.]

Hello all,

I'm over at Dad's finishing my car so I can drive it in this nice weather. None of my reference/repair books mention what the coolant capacity of my car should be. I had my wife check the owner's manual (which is at home), and it says 17 quarts w/o AC, and add 1 quart with AC for the 350. The big block takes 24 quarts.

Given the difference in size between a small block non-AC and AC radiator, and the fact that the BB radiator is close in size to my 350+AC radiator, is 18 quarts the true capacity, or is the owner's manual incorrect?

Thanks,

Patrick

[Paul E. Young]

Re: 1971 350 w/AC coolant capacity

Patrick, My motors manuel sayes 15 quarts for standard transmission and 18 quarts for automatic. There does not seem to be any difference for A/C. The big blocks of course take the 24 quarts. Hope it helps. Paul

[Paul E. Young]

Re: 1971 350 w/AC coolant capacity

Patrick, My motors manuel sayes 15 quarts for standard transmission and 18 quarts for automatic. There does not seem to be any difference for A/C. The big blocks of course take the 24 quarts. Hope it helps. Paul

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971 350 w/AC coolant capacity

Paul and Patrick----

Yes, the 1971 small block with THM-400, with or without A/C, used the same, basic radiator as the small block with manual trans and A/C. So, the capacity for the manual trans + A/C should be the same as specified for the 71 small block with THM.

The 71 small block with manual trans and A/C used radiator GM #3018803. The 71 small block with THM-400, with or without A/C, used GM #3018802. Both radiators are identical except that the '802' has fittings for auto trans fluid cooling and the the '803' does not. The 3018802 replaced the 3018803 for SERVICE over 20 years ago. Any difference in capacity for the '802' versus '803' should be negligible.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971 350 w/AC coolant capacity

Paul and Patrick----

Yes, the 1971 small block with THM-400, with or without A/C, used the same, basic radiator as the small block with manual trans and A/C. So, the capacity for the manual trans + A/C should be the same as specified for the 71 small block with THM.

The 71 small block with manual trans and A/C used radiator GM #3018803. The 71 small block with THM-400, with or without A/C, used GM #3018802. Both radiators are identical except that the '802' has fittings for auto trans fluid cooling and the the '803' does not. The 3018802 replaced the 3018803 for SERVICE over 20 years ago. Any difference in capacity for the '802' versus '803' should be negligible.