Coolant Level Question

[BBishere2]

Noticed that my '67 Coronet R/T - 440 V8 was a little low on coolant - so I poured in some anti-freeze - all the way up to the bottom of the opening under the radiator cap - after running the car for a bit - I started to get coolant coming out the overflow tube - since these cars didn't have a reservoir to catch it - I threw down some oil dry to catch it -

I see by the service manual that to do a pressure test, the coolant level is supposed to be about 1/2 inch below the neck - should that be about where I need to fill coolant to normally? I haven't removed the cap to see how much or how little is in the radiator now - it was just above the top of the plates in the core when I filled it up the last time -

I was thinking about doing a little modification to the brace for the battery tray closest to the radiator core support in order to put a coolant overflow reservoir in - any comments or suggestions along those lines?

Ordered the parts to replace the windshield reservoir/pump assy that was missing - found out that neither one came with the nylon nut/filter that holds the pump in - so I ended up ordering one and paying about the same in shipping as I did for the nut itself - something to look out for when replacing those!

Replaced the upper vent hose elbow that I thought was leaking - but still have the fuel odor around the back of the car - it looked like it was leaking from that elbow the last time I filled it up - but apparently, that didn't seal it - so I still have that problem to deal with - got to get that fixed before all else - don't want to blow up the garage - I don't think the little woman would be too happy if that happened...

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[Dennis H]

Don't bother with a recovery tank. Leave up to two inches from the top or where you can see the radiator guts. That will allow for expansion. Fight the urge to "top it up. You can see the cars at shows that have the puddle, they could not resist.

 

[hunt2elk]

Don't bother with a recovery tank. Leave up to two inches from the top or where you can see the radiator guts. That will allow for expansion. Fight the urge to "top it up. You can see the cars at shows that have the puddle, they could not resist.

X2. Let it find its own full level.

 

[YY1]

Yep, they need to find they're own level.

When it stops leaving a puddle, check where it is.

It may take a few trips.

Then try to keep it at that level.

Mine likes to be where you can barely discern the holes/tubes in the rad core.

Note that it will also leave a puddle if run hot, including due to low fluid level.

 

[terzmo]

Fill it, drive it, the recovery bottle should not be filled...Leave it almost empty..the car ,if the cooling system will find it's own level...sometimes the level is just at the top of the fins but if the car is cooling properly,not leaking,forget it until there is an issue.

 

[BBishere2]

Thanks for the comments - it was not running hot before I topped it up - I'll check it to see where it has settled and try to maintain that and see what happens -

 

[67 coronet]

as far as the fuel smell,check the grommet where the filler pipe passes into the tank.very common spot to get vapors from.they are available at mega parts if you need one.