The Ford Barn

cruzace · 10-26-2013, 06:32 PM

Hello all, I'm used to a closed radiator system, and my new project (31 Vicky with a stock engine and cooling system) brings my question.
I know they are not a closed system and there will be some coolant loss, but what is normal?
After driving for a couple days it is down about 1 gallon.
There is no leaks seen anywhere in the entire cooling system ( except the overflow after filling up) no leaks at the head exhaust looks fine, no fluid on the ground and the oil is normal.

Thanks in advance for all help, it's always appreciated.

Nick

Mitch//pa · 10-26-2013, 07:01 PM

It sounds like your filling the rad to far up. Most A's are happy at a level just at the baffle in the upper tank which is just above the core or tube openings. Its normal for it to find its own level by coming out of the overflow if filled higher than this.

jw hash · 10-26-2013, 09:15 PM

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when the car is running and the radiator is full is there any bobbles coming up in the radiator. if there is, let your car set over night and pull your spark plugs out and read them, look for moisture or some cleaner then normal plugs. it is a sign of a head gasket that is leaking it will push water out the overflow when under power.

10-26-2013, 06:32 PM	#1
cruzace Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tustin CA Posts: 11	Radiator question Hello all, I'm used to a closed radiator system, and my new project (31 Vicky with a stock engine and cooling system) brings my question. I know they are not a closed system and there will be some coolant loss, but what is normal? After driving for a couple days it is down about 1 gallon. There is no leaks seen anywhere in the entire cooling system ( except the overflow after filling up) no leaks at the head exhaust looks fine, no fluid on the ground and the oil is normal. Thanks in advance for all help, it's always appreciated. Nick

10-26-2013, 07:01 PM	#2
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Radiator question It sounds like your filling the rad to far up. Most A's are happy at a level just at the baffle in the upper tank which is just above the core or tube openings. Its normal for it to find its own level by coming out of the overflow if filled higher than this.

10-26-2013, 09:15 PM	#3
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,552	Re: Radiator question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) when the car is running and the radiator is full is there any bobbles coming up in the radiator. if there is, let your car set over night and pull your spark plugs out and read them, look for moisture or some cleaner then normal plugs. it is a sign of a head gasket that is leaking it will push water out the overflow when under power.