Checking coolant level
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 121
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From: Camp Hill PA
Checking coolant level
I wanted to check the coolant level in my 63 SWC. But when I looked under the hood I found the cap on the overflow tank read "DO NOT OPEN", "CLOSED SYSTEM", "R-18", "17 psi". That sounds like the cap to an air conditioning system not the coolant system. But the hose to the tank came directly from the top of the radiator.
I was told by two dealer service departments to go ahead and open it, because that is how you check the coolant. So I tried. The cap would not turn and is different from normal old radiator caps. It does not have the ears on it to help you turn it and it is completely round. Also the overflow vent hose comes directly off the cap, not off the neck below the cap.
I have seen caps that say "Warning, do not open when hot" or some such, but never "DO NOT OPEN".
Anybody got an explanation and/or advice.
P.S. The car does not have A/C.
I was told by two dealer service departments to go ahead and open it, because that is how you check the coolant. So I tried. The cap would not turn and is different from normal old radiator caps. It does not have the ears on it to help you turn it and it is completely round. Also the overflow vent hose comes directly off the cap, not off the neck below the cap.
I have seen caps that say "Warning, do not open when hot" or some such, but never "DO NOT OPEN".
Anybody got an explanation and/or advice.
P.S. The car does not have A/C.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,190
Likes: 145
From: Snake handler
Originally Posted by rgwebb
I wanted to check the coolant level in my 63 SWC. But when I looked under the hood I found the cap on the overflow tank read "DO NOT OPEN", "CLOSED SYSTEM", "R-18", "17 psi". That sounds like the cap to an air conditioning system not the coolant system. But the hose to the tank came directly from the top of the radiator.
I was told by two dealer service departments to go ahead and open it, because that is how you check the coolant. So I tried. The cap would not turn and is different from normal old radiator caps. It does not have the ears on it to help you turn it and it is completely round. Also the overflow vent hose comes directly off the cap, not off the neck below the cap.
I have seen caps that say "Warning, do not open when hot" or some such, but never "DO NOT OPEN".
Anybody got an explanation and/or advice.
P.S. The car does not have A/C.
I was told by two dealer service departments to go ahead and open it, because that is how you check the coolant. So I tried. The cap would not turn and is different from normal old radiator caps. It does not have the ears on it to help you turn it and it is completely round. Also the overflow vent hose comes directly off the cap, not off the neck below the cap.
I have seen caps that say "Warning, do not open when hot" or some such, but never "DO NOT OPEN".
Anybody got an explanation and/or advice.
P.S. The car does not have A/C.
can you post a photo?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
You're right, it is all Bubba's fault. Except for the part about the vent tube coming off the cap. I was wrong, it just looked like it did because the cap is so thin. It comes off the bung on the side of the tank neck like it should. It is a case of someone putting on the wrong cap though. I got it off finally, and everything checks out, so now I'll get the right kind of cap and finish the job. Thanks for the answer!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,190
Likes: 145
From: Snake handler
Originally Posted by stingrayl76
The correct expansion tank cap is an AC model 307, p/n 6410203, rated at 13 psi. The A/C equipped cars used a 15 psi p/n 6410206.
I should go out and check my cap - I think the PSI rating is much higher than that!
