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Old Jun 4, 2023 | 03:21 PM
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Default coolant level question

This is probably a stupid question so I apologize in advance. I have a '72 454. My question is how do I check the coolant level? The radiator has no cap and the "overflow" tank (where the only fill cap is located) is metal so level is not visible. In addition the neck on overflow tank is a gooseneck so I cannot see inside to determine level. Appreciate your help.
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Old Jun 4, 2023 | 04:02 PM
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I fill mine to cover the bottom floor of the elbow. Make sure you have the overflow hose to the ground connected to the expansion tank so that if you overfill the system, it has a clean escape route. Once you've filled to the elbow a couple times and it's gone through a few heat cycles you can be relatively assured air bubbles have escaped from the block and radiator.
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Old Jun 4, 2023 | 05:23 PM
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Did you look carefully at the tank for "Fill half way when cold"?
Using a flashlight looking into the neck, can you see bottom of tank?
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Old Jun 4, 2023 | 07:36 PM
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There are no markers on the tank. It is metal with a gooseneck so inside is not visible.
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Old Jun 4, 2023 | 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by delandjohn
There are no markers on the tank. It is metal with a gooseneck so inside is not visible.
I don't see a mark on mine either. The aluminum tanks on the 350 states to fill 1/2 when cold. I just fill mine to the bottom of the tank and check it when cold.






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Old Jun 4, 2023 | 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by delandjohn
There are no markers on the tank. It is metal with a gooseneck so inside is not visible.
You can see the bottom of the gooseneck and the gooseneck is centered on the tank. So the fluid level when looking down the gooseneck is just a little above the bottom of the gooseneck.
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