Expansion tank

[old farmer]

I'm putting a new rad on an old tractor, a Massey Ferguson 35 with a gas engine.
It has a 4 lbs pressure cap and an overflow that is just open ended.
Would it be a good idea to make up an overflow bottle for it to keep out air, or not bother?
I think it would be better for the system to not pull in air every time it cooled down.
What do you think?

 

[Chris142]

If you do put on an expansion tank you will need to find another 4lb radiator cap with a top seal so it will work. Do not put on a higher pressure cap or you may blow that old radiator up.

Personally I'd leave it alone. Fill it, run it and let it find it's own level.

 

[Al]

I would. Even though it doesn't have the extra gasket on it it will likely work anyways. Try it and see.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
olf farmer - I would and I have done in the past. Preventing the inroduction of oxygen is a good idea

 

[Shannow]

When I first fitted an expansion tank to a car, it came with a gasket to seal the cap.

Could cobble something up with a piece of rubber based gasket.

http://www.oldfordparts.co.uk/acatalog/Ford_Model_A_Radiator_Cap.html

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: Al
I would. Even though it doesn't have the extra gasket on it it will likely work anyways. Try it and see.
W/o that top seal it will not work.

 

[onion]

I wouldn't bother. I doubt you're going to find a 4-lb cap with a top seal.

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
W/o that top seal it will not work.


I installed an expansion tank years and years ago on 2 vehicles without seals in the cap and it worked.

But I understand the theory. You can shine up the top of the neck with fine emery cloth if it doesn't work.