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Old 08-18-2018, 05:13 PM   #1
Magoo2
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Default Radiator overflow leak when filling

I hoping someone out there can help me. I'm having a problem water running out the overflow tube when filling the radiator on my 31 CCPU.My first thought was that I was pouring water/coolant into the overflow tube as I was filling the radiator. I have taped over the overflow tube just under the radiator cap to insure no water/coolant enters the tube but I'm still getting water out of the overflow tube at the bottom of the radiator. I saw one thread where there was a hole in the overflow tube in the overflow tube visible at the radiator cap. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm think of pressurizing the overflow tube. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Old 08-18-2018, 06:11 PM   #2
ModelAMike1930
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

I use a funnel when filling my radiator and aim it away from the overflow. You may be filling it too high-just add enough to cover the fins.
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Old 08-18-2018, 06:39 PM   #3
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

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I use a funnel when filling my radiator and aim it away from the overflow. You may be filling it too high-just add enough to cover the fins.




Quite right, the water will seek its own level.
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Old 08-18-2018, 07:43 PM   #4
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

I read it as bottom of overflow tube, but Sparky makes a good point. Where exactly is it leaking out the tube at the bottom or bottom of top tank?
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:45 PM   #5
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

I wonder if you have the same problem I did with an old radiator. Virbration caused a small hole in the side of the tube right where it passed through the baffle. It was very hard to see from the top.
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Old 08-19-2018, 07:24 AM   #6
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

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Thanks everyone. The coolant is leaking out of the bottom of the overflow tube.Sparky you may be on to something. I've done some additional investigating and it seems the top of the radiator core is wet as well. How did you repair your leak?
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Old 08-19-2018, 11:43 AM   #7
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

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Thanks everyone. The coolant is leaking out of the bottom of the overflow tube.Sparky you may be on to something. I've done some additional investigating and it seems the top of the radiator core is wet as well. How did you repair your leak?
Replaced the tube. You can remove it and solder the hole, but at that point why put the old one back?

If you have an air compressor you could try plugging the lower end and blowing air into the top, that way you could verify the leak.
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Old 08-19-2018, 11:52 AM   #8
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

Just have a radiator shop solder in a NEW overflow tube, flush it out & test for leaks.
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Old 08-22-2018, 08:43 AM   #9
Magoo2
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

Apparently the leak is in the overflow tube inside the top tank of the radiator.
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Old 08-22-2018, 10:17 AM   #10
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

A local Model A friend was experiencing the same symptoms as yours. He discovered that his overflow tube has a crack in it, not a hole. Look for a crack, too, in addition to a hole. Both will allow coolant to escape.
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Old 08-23-2018, 08:57 AM   #11
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

Marshall I'm pretty sure that's what I'm expierencing. I wonder if I could line the overflow tube with a plastic tube with silicone to seal it?
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Old 08-23-2018, 04:58 PM   #12
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

Don't just try to patch it up. You're asking for trouble and it will always find you at the least conveient time. Fix it right, fix it once. It is cheaper in the long run.
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Old 08-24-2018, 07:49 PM   #13
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Default Re: Radiator overflow leak when filling

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Marshall I'm pretty sure that's what I'm expierencing. I wonder if I could line the overflow tube with a plastic tube with silicone to seal it?
That would be about as effective as putting a BAND-AID on it. BAND-AIDS are only for UGLY Fender Scratches---LOL
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