Seems my copper/aluminum? overflow tube at the fill neck of the radiator on my 1970 Chevelle SS has come loose and leaks. Can this tube which is part of the radiator be re soldered. Also is it safe to drive the car with this kind of leak since it seems to only happen when the car is turned off. Its a big block so it naturally runs hot but I was considering going to a local car show and put a small bucket where she drips then put the fluid back in the radiator when she is cool.
Fluid leak from overflow port
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Is it copper or aluminum? Do you have an overflow bottle or just a hose that spits on the ground?
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Is it copper or aluminum? Do you have an overflow bottle or just a hose that spits on the ground?
I believe its copper. Just swapped the regular 16lb cab for a flip lever Stant as it seemed deeper. Dropped about 4 oz as the car cooled when I came back from a run.
Is it copper or aluminum? Do you have an overflow bottle or just a hose that spits on the ground?
I believe its copper. Just swapped the regular 16lb cab for a flip lever Stant as it seemed deeper. Dropped about 4 oz as the car cooled when I came back from a run.
If its the original tank it will have a "cold fill" spot on it about 3 inches below the radiator cap. Your probably overfilling it when cool. As it expands it gets pushed out.
OE it is brass and can be soldered. It is above the cap seal when the cap is closed and the system is under pressure so no problem driving it other than the fluid it may drip.
Do not toss that radiator for a cheap aftermarket even if one is available, get it repaired. IIRC that's a Modine and they don't make the brass anymore.
Do not toss that radiator for a cheap aftermarket even if one is available, get it repaired. IIRC that's a Modine and they don't make the brass anymore.
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Originally Posted By: Chris142
If its the original tank it will have a "cold fill" spot on it about 3 inches below the radiator cap. Your probably overfilling it when cool.
^^^ My first thought also,
as 1969 didn't have a "coolant recovery" tank
If its the original tank it will have a "cold fill" spot on it about 3 inches below the radiator cap. Your probably overfilling it when cool.
^^^ My first thought also,
as 1969 didn't have a "coolant recovery" tank
Not sure if its the original radiator, only weeps after car is run and cooling off.
Tonight on the way home from a different car show the temp idiot light came on right when I was leaving. I think I must have a short somewhere because the Vintage Air A/C kept cutting on and off when I tried running the heater. I even pulled over and checked but the car did not seem to be actually over heating so I made the 30 mile run, pulled into the garage expecting the worse and all was OK. Checked the radiator when cool and she was down about an inch or two from the top. Guess I now I have two problems to look at. Intend on getting aftermarket gauges real soon!
Tonight on the way home from a different car show the temp idiot light came on right when I was leaving. I think I must have a short somewhere because the Vintage Air A/C kept cutting on and off when I tried running the heater. I even pulled over and checked but the car did not seem to be actually over heating so I made the 30 mile run, pulled into the garage expecting the worse and all was OK. Checked the radiator when cool and she was down about an inch or two from the top. Guess I now I have two problems to look at. Intend on getting aftermarket gauges real soon!
Don't keep topping off the radiator it will find its own correct cold level, the electrics in this car are easy enough to figure out no worries.
I would solder the piece back on and install a small overflow tank.
I would solder the piece back on and install a small overflow tank.
I am going to leave the radiator fluid level alone for now. I was wondering if changing the cap caused my temp light to come on but I think it is unlikely.
No, increasing or decreasing the cap psi will raise/lower the coolants boiling point that's all.
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