coolant level concern

[Minn-Tex Lee]

I am using a Brassworks radiator so I can't really tell when the tubes are covered, so I fill the radiator to the top of the neck. If I run the engine in the parking lot without going anywhere, even for a half hour, the fluid level does not change.When I take it out for a 8 mile drive I fill it up again and find it has thrown out about 2 quarts.
Does this sound normal or do you think there is a problem?
Lee

[Dean Lemoine]

I had the same experience with a “new to me car”and new Brassworks radiator. It dumped water through the overflow until it found it’s level. The level in mine is below the baffle. I made a sight tube out of clear tubing to know exactly where the water level is. It settled at about an inch and half above the tubes.

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by Minn-Tex Lee

I am using a Brassworks radiator so I can't really tell when the tubes are covered, so I fill the radiator to the top of the neck. If I run the engine in the parking lot without going anywhere, even for a half hour, the fluid level does not change.When I take it out for a 8 mile drive I fill it up again and find it has thrown out about 2 quarts.
Does this sound normal or do you think there is a problem?
Lee

One problem I see if your using anti-freeze it's ending up on the ground. I over fill the radiator so I see the coolant, I then use the petcock and drain the coolant just below the baffle. If you wonder what the level is add so you can see then drain just under the baffle.

[Ivan in southeast va.]

You are over filling the radiator. Let it find its own level. Two quarts does seem excessive but you are probably fine.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

I over fill the radiator so I see the coolant, I then use the petcock and drain the coolant just below the baffle. If you wonder what the level is add so you can see then drain just under the baffle.

That's a good way to check it when cold. I usually check mine when it is hot. When hot my level is just above the baffle.

[Patrick L.]

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Not familiar with that radiator, but, always dropping 2 qts I would think is a problem.

[Ruth]

Does it loose any more than the 2 qts and more importantly does it run hot/over heat at any time?

[goodcar]

Too full will cause the coolant to be siphoned out through the overflow tube.

[Minn-Tex Lee]

I built a site tube so now I can keep an eye on the level. Now I can see if it will finally level out at some point.
Thanks for all of those good ideas.
Lee

[Mister Moose]

Originally Posted by Dean Lemoine

I had the same experience with a “new to me car”and new Brassworks radiator. It dumped water through the overflow until it found it’s level. The level in mine is below the baffle. I made a sight tube out of clear tubing to know exactly where the water level is. It settled at about an inch and half above the tubes.

Originally Posted by Minn-Tex Lee

I built a site tube so now I can keep an eye on the level. Now I can see if it will finally level out at some point.
Thanks for all of those good ideas.
Lee

Could both of you please post a photo of your sight tube showing where it is and how you installed it? I have the same difficulty telling how much coolant is in the radiator.

[Dean Lemoine]

I ran the tubing between the radiator and the shell. I put an isolation valve in case the tube should leak. It’s been there for about a year with no problems. I open the valve to check the level then close it when I’m finished