radiator expansion tank?

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Oct 10, 2012 | 05:44 PM

razman

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Drifting

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From: wichita kansas

radiator expansion tank?

i have a 1970 corvette, original 350/350 four speed with a/c..........this car is not equipped with a radiator expansion/overflow tank, just a hose that spits out excess anti-freeze........i have seen other 70' models with the tank.......are they all supposed to have them, or only cars equipped a certain way? also, does anyone know which radiator cap would be correct for this car? i have been to 3 different parts stores and have gotten 3 different answers anywhere from 13#-16#........thanks, Rick

Oct 10, 2012 | 06:10 PM

Alan 71

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi Rick,
I believe a 1970 350/350 with a/c car would originally have had a copper radiator, no expansion tank, and an RC-15, (15#), radiator cap.
Regards,
Alan

Oct 10, 2012 | 06:13 PM

PeteZO6

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From: Cameron Park CA

I can't answer you specifically for 1970, but for 1969 only the cars that had a Harrison aluminum radiator had the expansion tank. The aluminum radiators did/do not have a rad. cap, the cap is on the expansion tank.

Once in awhile you'll see a photo of the engine compartment of a late 60s, early 70s Corvette with an expansion tank with a rad. cap AND a rad cap on the radiator too. That is totally wrong.

Hope this helps,
Pete

Oct 10, 2012 | 06:50 PM

razman

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Drifting

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From: wichita kansas

thanks very much to both of you guys.....very helpful! Rick

Oct 10, 2012 | 07:11 PM

#s matching 72

Instructor

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From: Pioneer California

Hi Rick
70,71,72's base engines with A/C had copper radiators and no expansion tank.
John

Oct 11, 2012 | 09:51 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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As a rule, aluminum radiators used expansion tanks because they have no fill caps. Copper/brass radiators did not use expansion tanks; they have fill caps.

AC and AT almost always required the bigger copper/brass radiator.

Oct 11, 2012 | 10:52 AM

rafalc

Burning Brakes

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From: NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan 71

Hi Rick,
I believe a 1970 350/350 with a/c car would originally have had a copper radiator, no expansion tank, and an RC-15, (15#), radiator cap.
Regards,
Alan

1970 350/350 no AC here..... copper radiator and no expansion tank. At first this seemed strange to me too...

Oct 11, 2012 | 02:15 PM

Faster Rat

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All of the cooling systems have an expansion tank...depends whether it is internal to the radiator or external to the radiator. The cap goes with the tank.