I just wanted to make sure i was topped off in my 78 1/2 ton with a 351m, since it doesnt have an overflow tank, how full do i fill it with coolant?

 

i added a overflow tank to my 72 4x4 an fill the rad to the top while it was running then rechecked after it had warm up

 

ok ill try that, will a 2 liter work good enough?

 

mine holds about 3 gallons

 

I dunno exact numbers, but I do know the regular radiators, you'll be good if you buy three gallons and with a super cooler raditator, you'll need 4 gallons. In each case, it doesn't take all the fluid. I usually go 1/2-3/4" from full.

 

I usually fill it to a level about an inch or and inch and a half under the cap. Make sure to go 50-50 water to coolant otherwise these old engines don't cool properly. That should be about a gallon and a half of coolant and the rest water.

 

It has been my experience that a truck will "find" its own level. Fill it up and it will burp out what it doesn't want. Thats my $.02

 

I fill them up with 50,50 mix. Start the engine and let it run long enough for the thermostat to start opening. Then I shut it off and leave it to cool down, then go back and add more mix. You don't have to let it run very long the first time.The second time I let it reach running temp. shut off , it will burp it out if it's to full. Don't take the cap off while it's still hot. Check it out after it cools down and I like to keep it about one inch down from the top. It will seek it's own level.

 

Alright fellas, thanks for the advice, i think im gonna do it the easy way, and fill er up and let her puke out what she thinks is too much!

 

x2 on Jim Collin's post...I've always had the engine running and hot so the thermostat opens, but then while it's still running, adding the coolant into the open radiator. Occasionally hitting the throttle to circulate the coolant more quickly, add until she's topped off and the coolant no longer sucks down into the radiator when rev'd. It might puke out a bit, but usually it's right on this way.