How much water consumption is normal?

[bikemaniac]

Hi,

I would like to know something about average radiator water consumptions. For instance, is it normal to add 1-2 quarts of water after lets say 200 mi of highway driving?

Lucas

[Patrick L.]

I might consume a Qt in that mileage, but, I don't want my vehicle doing that.

[Mitch//pa]

where are you keeping the coolant level at when cold??

[steve s]

We need the answer to Mitch's question. The other important factor is, does the level eventually stabilize at some level that's sufficient to keep the car from overheating? If you're trying to keep radiator topped off with little empty head space, most Model A's will throw out a quart or two long before you get to 200 miles. Mine stabilizes at 1/2 to 3/4 inches above the rad core, as measured with a Starbucks stir stick. That level is below the baffle and out of sight, hence the need for a dip stick.

[msmaron]

I just added 4 oz after a 1335 mile trip...yes i think you have added to much, but let it seek its own level and check the temp

[bikemaniac]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I will check tomorrow but basically I have always added water so that it stays about 1/2 inch below the overflow tube (when cold) ... and the overflow tube/pipe goes to where the threads of the cap start (almost).

Lucas

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by bikemaniac

I will check tomorrow but basically I have always added water so that it stays about 1/2 inch below the overflow tube (when cold) ... and the overflow tube/pipe goes to where the threads of the cap start (almost).

Lucas

your to high..
put it at baffle level or just below
COLD

[bikemaniac]

Is the baffle that inclined piece of sheet metal that basically obstructs the view of the core?

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by bikemaniac

Is the baffle that inclined piece of sheet metal that basically obstructs the view of the core?

yes

[160B]

I returned from the 2015 NWRM in Walla Walla logging over 900 miles with several days in the 100 plus. My water level remained unchanged, and I did not add any!! The water level is just slightly above the baffle

[ian Simpson]

I add a cup or two each year.

[G&N Farms]

With an overflow tube in it, why is that not the level to fill cold ? It would level out after the first running of the engine. After cooling back down, wouldn't that be you level?

I have a 1938 tractor with an open cooling system. (non-pressurized ) I fill it until it overflows the tube , then let it level out on it's own, but I check it all the time.

[Pete]

I haven't checked mine in 6 months. It never changes.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by G&N Farms

With an overflow tube in it, why is that not the level to fill cold ? It would level out after the first running of the engine. After cooling back down, wouldn't that be you level?

I have a 1938 tractor with an open cooling system. (non-pressurized ) I fill it until it overflows the tube , then let it level out on it's own, but I check it all the time.

You'd be wasting antifreeze by filling it too high and having a couple quarts go out the overflow. The top tank is mostly an expansion tank and only need to be filled about 1/2" to 1" over the top of the radiator tubes.

For those who only used water, you won't be wasting antifreeze but can expect cracked blocks from freezing weather and rust along with the problems it causes.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

You'd be wasting antifreeze by filling it too high and having a couple quarts go out the overflow. The top tank is mostly an expansion tank and only need to be filled about 1/2" to 1" over the top of the radiator tubes.

For those who only used water, you won't be wasting antifreeze but can expect cracked blocks from freezing weather and rust along with the problems it causes.

Not to mention the mess all over the car

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

With a good sealing stock cap, NO mess on yo' car!
Bill W.

[Mitch//pa]

until it comes out of the overflow and gets blown all over the chassis and motor from the road breeze..
but then the ole nail trick will stop that

[Skibb]

Originally Posted by bikemaniac

Hi,

I would like to know something about average radiator water consumptions. For instance, is it normal to add 1-2 quarts of water after lets say 200 mi of highway driving?

Lucas

Bikemanic, it happened in my car BUT the coolant was going out the overflow tube. Broad headed nail fixed that (thank you Bill Williamson). Recently, the vaunted leak-less water pump started dripping. I'll have to replace it.

I use a small hand held infrared thermometer to tell what the temps are at the top of the radiator and spots on the motor. After your engine first comes to operating temp give it a read and then again when your coolant finds its level. If the temp rises much you have a leak.

[barnstuf]

My two driver Model A's with a mix of water and anti freeze receive an annual bottle of rust inhibitor and never need anything else added. I flush and refill with fresh anti freeze mix every 6 years. The rust inhibitor in anti freeze wears out long before it loses its ability to protect from freeze up.

[eagle]

I think the the answer to the original poster's question is: If you fill the radiator to just over the tubes, you will have to add maybe a cup or so a year due to evaporation/etc.