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04-21-2021, 08:39 PM | #1 |
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Where is the water going?
After only a few hours of driving my ‘32 coupe I find that the water level in the radiator is significantly low.
I have checked the oil - no water in the oil. There is no water/antifreeze on the shop floor. There is no visible steam or boil over. What am I missing ? Thank you |
04-21-2021, 08:51 PM | #2 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
These monsters throw out any water that they don't need. To the new owner, the level might seem low but so long as the tubes are covered, all is good. Put in any more water than that and it will be thrown out as the motor warms up.
Hope that helps.
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04-21-2021, 09:37 PM | #3 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
But how “low” can I allow the level to get below I get concerned?
It takes about a quart of water and I cannot visualize the top of the liquid in the radiator. |
04-21-2021, 09:55 PM | #4 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
What is blocking your view of the tubes?
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04-22-2021, 04:43 AM | #5 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Even with the level below the baffle, since it is a vented system, some will evaporate and leave via the overflow tube. We need to keep an eye on it and "top it up" as needed. I certainly am spoiled by modern cars that are closed systems and are almost maintenance-free.
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04-22-2021, 05:53 AM | #6 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
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04-22-2021, 06:28 AM | #7 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
50 + years ago when I was a new owner I thought my A was overheating, NO it was me a new owner over filling the radiator ! Coolant level just below the baffle, IF your loosing coolant out of the overflow you could put an roofing nail in the tube under the radiator cap as suggested by R.I.P. Bill Williamson !
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04-22-2021, 07:24 AM | #8 | |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Quote:
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04-22-2021, 11:30 AM | #9 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Thank you everyone!
I guess I am so used to a closed system, that I was not expecting so much evaporation. For now I will stop worrying about it and just monitor. |
04-22-2021, 11:59 AM | #10 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
As the coolant (water) heats up it expands and the excess goes out the overflow tube.
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04-22-2021, 01:39 PM | #11 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Carry some coolant with you and if the car overheats and produces steam you can add some after it cools down enough to stop boiling. This will give you some peace of mind. If it is not overheating then don't worry. If you are out in the middle of nowhere without any coolant or water to add to the radiator, you can always piss in it.
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04-22-2021, 06:13 PM | #12 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
I run enough below the baffle, that when shaking the car side to side, it barely can be seen coming over the baffle.
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04-22-2021, 09:22 PM | #13 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
There may be a "Gatorade" bottle visible in the picture that is attached to my overflow tube.
We have dogs so as many know; antifreeze and dogs do not mix... I am looking for one of the "tool boxes" that fits in front of the radiator between the fenders so I can mount a real overflow in that space. If anyone has one please let me know... |
04-23-2021, 06:44 AM | #14 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
1930 - 1932 radiators are very similar.
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04-23-2021, 08:09 AM | #15 | |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Quote:
Can you install a 1 1/4 pipe along your radiator where the overflow lives? White PVC could be painted black, install a drain valve in the bottom.
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04-23-2021, 09:02 AM | #16 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
I made a “sight glass” out of clear tubing. It’s connected to the drain valve and runs along the side of the radiator shell. The water level stabilized about an inch and a half above the radiator tubes. I haven’t added water/antifreeze in about 3000 miles. This is on a ‘29, not sure about the setup a ‘32
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04-23-2021, 09:10 AM | #17 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Sorry, I forgot to attach a picture
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04-23-2021, 10:01 AM | #18 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Dean, neat idea. Thanks.
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
05-03-2021, 07:37 PM | #19 | |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Quote:
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05-03-2021, 07:55 PM | #20 |
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Re: Where is the water going?
Rig up a plastic bottle to catch the overflow. Put it back in, and the level should be about the same. If not it's a crack, or a head gasket. (out the tailpipe in water vapor).
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