radiator level

[tnhill]

I have a 34 and it really bothers me not knowing how much fluid is in the radiator. I would like some way to do a visual inspection of the level before I drive it. So, my question. Is there a way to check the level or is there something I can install that will let me see or do it.
Thanks

[GB SISSON]

Start the car up for 5 minutes before you head out and point this 16.00 infrared thermometer gun at the top tank. Handy for lots of things. I bought this one a couple years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Ther...s%2C140&sr=8-3

[ThirstyThirty]

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

Start the car up for 5 minutes before you head out and point this 16.00 infrared thermometer gun at the top tank. Handy for lots of things. I bought this one a couple years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Ther...s%2C140&sr=8-3

we have several thermal guns priced in that range. use them all the time. cooking, a/c - heat.... etc. very handy and quite informative, too. accurate.

I have several tractors to include a small diesel, PTO about 18 hp. combo other than diesel not at all unlike a Model A set up. cooling. i have had it rodded out twice. if i ck water before using and top it off... first i see about 1" down from snout. i see over flow tube wets that area of frame after using it. but never goes lower than the 1" or so. and since the HOT temp light does not come on and i see no leaks... i assume it is cooling and holding water fine. i do clean the fins on regular basis... that helps.

[john in illinois]

I can not see radiator level on my roadster. I add coolant until Im see it in filler neck.I drive it and fluid comes out the overflow until it is the correct level.
I have a clean cooling system with no leaks so this is ok for a year or so.

John

[Drbrown]

You seem to be asking about fluid level. I've seen it said here and follow the advice to fill the system to a point 2 inches below the cap in the fill tube. For most, this is above the tops of the vertical cooling fins and leaves enough space for expansion when the coolant heats up.

[GB SISSON]

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I'm just guessing that on a '34 you can't just look down the neck and see the water level above the tubes. Otherwise, why would the PO even ask?

[tnhill]

Thanks for the feedback. I have only owned this car for about 6 months. I have corrected several issues related to overheating, wrong belt size, tune up etc and of course it was hotter outside than it is now. I am already carrying with me a laser thermometer so I can check temps every time I stop. My radiator appears to be stock, and you cannot look in the radiator and see any tubing. I was hoping someone had a trick for determining fluid level or maybe someone had created an aftermarket attachment that screwed in the top and bottom of the radiator with a clear tube in between. I am going to install a thermostat and hopefully that will help me relax when I'm driving. Thanks again

[ford38v8]

A thermostat’s basic function is to quickly bring an engine to operating temperature.
A thermostat can damage an engine if it malfunctions.
A 180* thermostat is better for an engine than a 160* thermostat, and neither can prevent overheating.