Radiator Overflow Tanks
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Campbell U S A
Radiator Overflow Tanks
I'm looking to put an overflow tank in my '56. I see tons of sizes out there and was wondering what you folks may be using. Do we have any opinions about size, location, maker quality and any installation notes? Thanks for your help in advance!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Radiator Overflow Tanks
Craig
I have a polished billet 2" X 13" tank. About $40 with shipping from a place in Iowa. Very "street roddy" look. I am trying to bury it up under the valance so it's not prominent. They come with L brackets and are simple to mount anywhere you want. 13" is about as tall as you want because that is the tank length only. Mine holds a pint + which may be inadequate if your radiator is marginal. 3" diameter obviously holds more but starts looking bold under the hood if you leave it polished.
'fenders
I have a polished billet 2" X 13" tank. About $40 with shipping from a place in Iowa. Very "street roddy" look. I am trying to bury it up under the valance so it's not prominent. They come with L brackets and are simple to mount anywhere you want. 13" is about as tall as you want because that is the tank length only. Mine holds a pint + which may be inadequate if your radiator is marginal. 3" diameter obviously holds more but starts looking bold under the hood if you leave it polished.
'fenders
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Radiator Overflow Tanks
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Nov-02 AT 09:02 AM (EST)]Craig,
If you're just looking for something inexpensive, these aftermarket plastic overflow kits available at most any parts house work well. I've used them in three street rods and currently in my 65 Mustang 2+2. I've found that size-wise they are okay, but if you have a very large capacity radiator (like 3 gallons or more), the expansion rate may require you to run less coolant in the overflow than the marks indicate. I had a Walker radiator in a 29 Ford and had to run just enough coolant in the overflow to cover the bottom and that's all. If I filled it to the full mark it would oveflow. On the Mustang with the smaller capacity radiator, the coolant hardly moves. It should be located as high as you can get it in the engine compartment...same height as the top tank if you can. These plastic recovery kits can be bought for less than $10 most places and mount with a single sheet metal screw. Hope this helps. The fancy chrome or stainless ones are also very nice, but I could never bring myself to pay that much for one.
If you're just looking for something inexpensive, these aftermarket plastic overflow kits available at most any parts house work well. I've used them in three street rods and currently in my 65 Mustang 2+2. I've found that size-wise they are okay, but if you have a very large capacity radiator (like 3 gallons or more), the expansion rate may require you to run less coolant in the overflow than the marks indicate. I had a Walker radiator in a 29 Ford and had to run just enough coolant in the overflow to cover the bottom and that's all. If I filled it to the full mark it would oveflow. On the Mustang with the smaller capacity radiator, the coolant hardly moves. It should be located as high as you can get it in the engine compartment...same height as the top tank if you can. These plastic recovery kits can be bought for less than $10 most places and mount with a single sheet metal screw. Hope this helps. The fancy chrome or stainless ones are also very nice, but I could never bring myself to pay that much for one.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,440
Likes: 0
From: Ventura County, CA
Radiator Overflow Tanks
Hey Craig in Campbell, this is Daryl in Central Cal!
I put an aftermarket overflow tank in my '59. All I did was to mimmick how other cars have them installed now. I purchased a "catch can" (aka overflow can) from either Jeg's or Summit Racing. At first, I made the mistake of installing the can a bit too high (the top spout was higher than the radiator.. uh, duh... gravity?). So, like a putz, I had to bolt the can in a bit lower. Next, run a line (rubber hose? braided line with anodized fittings? you decide) from the radiator overflow spout (which is next to the radiator cap)to the top of the catch can. Remember to drop a line (rubber? braided?) down from the bottom of the catch can down PAST the bottom motor shroud so the overflow of radiator juice doesn't get all over your engine and/or engine compartment!
Should be an easy install....
Have at it!
Daryl
I put an aftermarket overflow tank in my '59. All I did was to mimmick how other cars have them installed now. I purchased a "catch can" (aka overflow can) from either Jeg's or Summit Racing. At first, I made the mistake of installing the can a bit too high (the top spout was higher than the radiator.. uh, duh... gravity?). So, like a putz, I had to bolt the can in a bit lower. Next, run a line (rubber hose? braided line with anodized fittings? you decide) from the radiator overflow spout (which is next to the radiator cap)to the top of the catch can. Remember to drop a line (rubber? braided?) down from the bottom of the catch can down PAST the bottom motor shroud so the overflow of radiator juice doesn't get all over your engine and/or engine compartment!
Should be an easy install....
Have at it!
Daryl
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, Georgia
Radiator Overflow Tanks
Johnny
Daryl,
The hose from the overflow needs to go to the BOTTOM of the tank, rather than the top, so that it can suck the coolant out as the engine cools down. If it must go to the top, be sure to run an internal hose to the bottom.
Johnny
Daryl,
The hose from the overflow needs to go to the BOTTOM of the tank, rather than the top, so that it can suck the coolant out as the engine cools down. If it must go to the top, be sure to run an internal hose to the bottom.
Johnny
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Radiator Overflow Tanks
Johnny
I think we have 2 different recommendations going on here. A dump tank usually does have the hose at the top. They are drag race gear. A recirculating tank would be best for street and it has the hose inlet on the bottom.
'fenders
I think we have 2 different recommendations going on here. A dump tank usually does have the hose at the top. They are drag race gear. A recirculating tank would be best for street and it has the hose inlet on the bottom.
'fenders
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Campbell U S A
Radiator Overflow Tanks
Thanks guys!
I think I'll use the hose at the bottom of the tank. I haven't done much racin' lately and the truck is kinda tired these days.
I've been looking at the Sac Vintage stuff, but I probably can find just what I want locally. Old Ford Parts is right down the street from me!
The plastic approach is not for me. I want a street rod look and have some very long term plans for this beast. So, aluminum or stainless is the way.
Later
I think I'll use the hose at the bottom of the tank. I haven't done much racin' lately and the truck is kinda tired these days.
I've been looking at the Sac Vintage stuff, but I probably can find just what I want locally. Old Ford Parts is right down the street from me!
The plastic approach is not for me. I want a street rod look and have some very long term plans for this beast. So, aluminum or stainless is the way.
Later
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Radiator Overflow Tanks
Craig
Make sure you specifically ask if it is recirculating. Otherwise you get to drain a petcock when full. That will get old if your radiator is hyperactive.
'fenders
Make sure you specifically ask if it is recirculating. Otherwise you get to drain a petcock when full. That will get old if your radiator is hyperactive.
'fenders
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 43
From: maryland
Radiator Overflow Tanks
so let me get this straight, with the plastic overflow bottle i should mount it below the radiator neck but use the bottom hose nipple not the top hose nipple? i think i installed mine incorrect if this is correct.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Radiator Overflow Tanks
Designs vary. It depends on the internal plumbling of the tank. The tank hose/tube end has to be below the water level or it obviously loses it's siphon and can't work. If the tank is a lot lower than the radiator, it may have some problems pulling the coolant back in when it cools. You will probably just have to see if it works. Dump cans often just fill from the top when radiator gets hot and are emptied by draining a petcock or just letting it fill up and blow out of the tank overflow onto the ground like the old days.
'fenders
'fenders
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Campbell U S A
Radiator Overflow Tanks
I was just looking at my daily driver and the overflow tank on it is almost the same height as the top of the radiator. It's kinda hard to see as the rad is covered by a crossmember between the top of the fenders. The hose goes the bottom of the tank. So, that's what I'll be doing with mine when I get it.
Maybe for :-X12 !!!
CinC
Maybe for :-X12 !!!
CinC
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kulapp
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
19
Aug 23, 2014 11:00 AM