Radiator coolant level?

[Allanw]

Hi guys,

Since you've already been so helpful to me, I have a number of probably quite simple questions I'll ask over the next few weeks!

I've tried searching, but maybe using the wrong terms etc.

I flushed out the radiator on our 29 Tudor, got lots of rusty gunge out!

No serious chunks or solids, but I wanted to add coolant to inhibit corrosion.

Anyway; what is a good level to fill the radiator to?

I initially filled it until the coolant covered the hole at the weld of the base base of the overflow pipe (does that make sense?). Going up a steep hill it leaked a little out around the cap, and down the overflow. Do I just leave it to sort out it's own level, or hould I keep it topped up to a specific point?

Thanks!

Allan

[juke joint johnny]

I allways leave 2" of expansion space between top of water level and the overflow pipe,

John Cochran

[James Rogers]

Just fill it full and let it find it's own level unless it spews out a lot. Down a couple of inches is good but, let it do it on it's own.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Coolant should never come out around the cap. Any chance you are using a vented gas cap instead of the correct non-vented radiator cap? Also make sure the gasket is good. I use a cork gasket rather than cardboard in the cap.

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

First I surjust, make sure your cap fits tight and don't leake around it. Then use a 3# pressure valve at the bottom of the overflow pipe. leave the water down an an inch or so. You'll have to build up over 3# pressure before water will come out the overflow pipe. I haven't added water to my 31 with a warmed up B engine for 2 years, and I drive it hard. Walt

[steve s]

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For sure, there's no sense in topping it off. Probably so you can just begin to see coolant over the baffle is a good starting point. I'm using a brand new Brassworks radiator and it levels off at about 1 inch above the core, which is below the baffle. I use long wooden coffee stir stick (Starbucks) to check the level.

Berts sells nice leather gaskets for both the gas and radiator caps. They stay in place a lot better than the cork ones, for 28-9 style anyway.

Steve

[Allanw]

Aha!

I have the cork gasket, but the cap is a vented one! There are 3 slots between the inner part and the outer cover. I did wonder why, but I thought it may be correct, and most of the time the water just goes out the pipe.

Maybe someone has swapped them? It's been like it a LOOOOOONG time judging by the rust under the cap.

I'll start with sorting that out!

Thanks again guys - I really appreciate the answers!