C1 Radiator overflow?

[Dave Christensen]

I filled the radiator on my 56, again. After stopping the engine it spits coolant (about 1 cup or so) from the overflow tube. Everything in the system is new - thermostat, hoses, radiator core, and radiator cap. I think that I have a 180 degree thermostat. The temp gauge reads about 170 degrees.

Is this normal? Will it eventually find a coolant level at which it no longer spits out coolant? (Before it is empty I hope!) Any suggestions?

thanks
Dave Christensen

[Kris Schmalenberg]

Re: C1 Radiator overflow?

Are you filling the rad right to the top? If so then this is too full. I think your rad is the same as my 58. If so then you must fill it to the top because you cant see the level. Then go for a good drive and it will puke what it doesnt need. As long as it doesnt keep doing it everything should be fine.

Kris

[Dave Christensen]

Re: C1 Radiator overflow?

Yes, I am filling it to the top. I have not driven the car enough to know if it stops puking. While it has not failed me yet, I am hesitant to drive it any further than I care to walk back.

thanks
Dave Christensen

[Duke W.]

Re: C1 Radiator overflow?

Cooling systems that don't have recovery tanks need some expansion space, which is why you don't fill them to the top. If you have an owners manual it should tell you how far from the top the coolant should be, and assuming it's a top tank radiator, it's probably one to two inches. If the radiator is overfilled it will just push coolant out until the level comes down to the point where there is sufficient expansion space, so that the coolant doesn't expand to fill all the available volume.

Duke

[Richard P.]

Re: C1 Radiator overflow?

Dave,
I would reinforce what Kris said. I had a similar problem with my '56. When I finally stopped trying to keep the radiator full the puking problem went away.
I did not experience any overheating problems related to the overflows and none were experienced after I stopped filling the radiator. I use a mechanical temp gauge so I was not concerned about the accuracy of the original unit. Good luck
Rick