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DeWitt radiator question

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Old May 23, 2013 | 09:50 AM
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Default DeWitt radiator question

Have a DeWitt with the dual fans in my 65 with HO LS3. No issues with cooling but if I fill the radiator to a few inches from the top I will get a drip from the overflow tube once tempis reached. Probably not an issue but, being ****, it bothers me. Should I install a small catch can to collect the drip? This could be made into a recirculating system as well by filling the rad to the top and letting the coolant flow into the can. Then when cool fluid would flow back to the rad.
Advantages/downsides?
Any reason to do this or just let the coolant drip on the ground?
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Old May 23, 2013 | 10:02 AM
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are you sure you aren't over-filling it?
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Old May 23, 2013 | 10:21 AM
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Only fill to about 2-3 inches from the top so should not be overfilling.
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Old May 23, 2013 | 10:56 AM
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It should quit dripping and that be the level it likes.
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Old May 23, 2013 | 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by SLWRNU
Have a DeWitt with the dual fans in my 65 with HO LS3. No issues with cooling but if I fill the radiator to a few inches from the top I will get a drip Should I install a small catch can to collect the drip? This could be made into a recirculating system as well by filling the rad to the top and letting the coolant flow into the can. Then when cool fluid would flow back to the rad.
Advantages/downsides?
Any reason to do this or just let the coolant drip on the ground?
Dripping is normal, until it has pushed the excess fluid, but dripping in the garage is a mess. I assume you have the dual fan setup because you need more cooling capacity. Adding a closed system cap for a c3 and a can to recover from adds 2 or 3 more inches of radiator to the system at less than current overflow temps, and it saves the mess.
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Old May 23, 2013 | 08:16 PM
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we used the orig surge tank. jim
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Old May 24, 2013 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by magicv8
Dripping is normal, until it has pushed the excess fluid, but dripping in the garage is a mess. I assume you have the dual fan setup because you need more cooling capacity. Adding a closed system cap for a c3 and a can to recover from adds 2 or 3 more inches of radiator to the system at less than current overflow temps, and it saves the mess.
We used the original catch can.

Thanks that was my thinking as well. Eliminate the drip and can't hurt to have a little more coolant in the system by creating a recirculating system. Eliminated the original catch can with the DeWitts so I could better acces to the battery.
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Old May 24, 2013 | 02:50 PM
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Check the cap. I think it should be a 13lb. Make sure it holds pressure or it will drip.

Tom
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Old May 24, 2013 | 08:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Sky65
Check the cap. I think it should be a 13lb. Make sure it holds pressure or it will drip.

Tom
my builder used a 15lb cap. when someone finds out the right lb let me
know. jim
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Old May 24, 2013 | 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by jdk971
my builder used a 15lb cap. when someone finds out the right lb let me
know. jim
Don't know what the cap spec should be for an LS3. I just re-read your post. But my actual point is to make sure the cap holds pressure to whatever spec is right for your set up. If it does not hold pressure it will allow coolant to come out the overflow when the engine warms up.
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Old May 24, 2013 | 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by SLWRNU
Have a DeWitt with the dual fans in my 65 with HO LS3. No issues with cooling but if I fill the radiator to a few inches from the top I will get a drip from the overflow tube once tempis reached. Probably not an issue but, being ****, it bothers me. Should I install a small catch can to collect the drip? This could be made into a recirculating system as well by filling the rad to the top and letting the coolant flow into the can. Then when cool fluid would flow back to the rad.
Advantages/downsides?
Any reason to do this or just let the coolant drip on the ground?
I added a plastic reservoir tank to mine a few years ago and it works well. I recommend it. Fill rad to top and be sure to use a cap meant for a closed system. Many caps available will work with both closed and open systems. The cap MUST be non-vented.

You may use a non vented cap for either an old open system or a closed system with overflow reservoir. You may NOT use a vented cap with a closed system but can use it with an old open system.
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