Overflow Radiator Resevoir Level
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 755
Likes: 1
From: Hobart Tasmania
Overflow Radiator Resevoir Level
I have a '72 BB Auto which has the sausage shape overflow reservoir tank. Each time I go out I fill the overflow to about 1" from the top and if I stop during a trip there is some leakage from the overflow pipe.
The engine does not get overly hot.
I have read many posts about this question and presume mine finds the correct level however you can't see inside what that is.
On late model cars there is a plastic bottle with a high/low or hot/cold mark so you can see where it should be.
I have tried different radiator caps, all with the same result. If I stop there is some loss of fluid probably 1/2 litre.
How can I be sure there is enough fluid in the reservoir.
The engine does not get overly hot.
I have read many posts about this question and presume mine finds the correct level however you can't see inside what that is.
On late model cars there is a plastic bottle with a high/low or hot/cold mark so you can see where it should be.
I have tried different radiator caps, all with the same result. If I stop there is some loss of fluid probably 1/2 litre.
How can I be sure there is enough fluid in the reservoir.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
small block same problem fixed
I had this problem, bought a new 15lb aluminum compatible cap, made sure the air seals around the rad were all there and tight. The car is cool and the tank only spits a bit on a hot day. About half way fill the tank is what the small block works best at, but I am sure each car may need a slightly different level. I run the car until the fluid is only lower than the half way mark looking inside the tank.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
I have a '72 BB Auto which has the sausage shape overflow reservoir tank. Each time I go out I fill the overflow to about 1" from the top and if I stop during a trip there is some leakage from the overflow pipe.
The engine does not get overly hot.
I have read many posts about this question and presume mine finds the correct level however you can't see inside what that is.
On late model cars there is a plastic bottle with a high/low or hot/cold mark so you can see where it should be.
I have tried different radiator caps, all with the same result. If I stop there is some loss of fluid probably 1/2 litre.
How can I be sure there is enough fluid in the reservoir.
The engine does not get overly hot.
I have read many posts about this question and presume mine finds the correct level however you can't see inside what that is.
On late model cars there is a plastic bottle with a high/low or hot/cold mark so you can see where it should be.
I have tried different radiator caps, all with the same result. If I stop there is some loss of fluid probably 1/2 litre.
How can I be sure there is enough fluid in the reservoir.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 755
Likes: 1
From: Hobart Tasmania
Thanks for your advice. I would still like to know if there is any fluid in the reservoir after the leakage and you can't see inside. Is there a way to check without pulling the tank out to check.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
I have that same tank, and have used it with the original cooling system and a new alum. & spal fan system . For 8yrs, The resevoir has "Always" stayed at 1/3rd full level. If I found the resevoir Empty, Id be worried I had a leak somewhere?
PS...If I fill the resevoir to more than 1/3rd..it just returns to that level as soon as the engine runs at operating temp.
PS...If I fill the resevoir to more than 1/3rd..it just returns to that level as soon as the engine runs at operating temp.
Last edited by 69vettester; Sep 8, 2007 at 09:38 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 755
Likes: 1
From: Hobart Tasmania
Thank you for the advice. It seems my overflow is in the same ballpark so that's good to know. These things ****le at you a bit and where I live there there are not many Corvettes to compare with.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Read through this thread to understand how the system works and why you must not overfill it!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1803785
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1803785
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