Coolant overflow tank for 71

[Carl Spangler]

Greetings

Anyone know of a coolant overflow tank that will bolt to the passenger side wheel well. I found this one on the Dorman site and it looks like it could possible fit.

Dorman Coolant Reservoirs 603-100
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...make/chevrolet

I DID search for this answer but only found one really old thread that didn't have current links.

thanks

[HO455]

Do a search. Just after I put an S10 tank in my Burban I ran across a thread using a 80's Monte Carlo (I think) overflow that was nice and clean and easy. My WMB thread has photos of the S10 installation. I have also seen a stock repop that goes on the drivers side.

[53burb]

I have on on my 69 Burb.....This was years ago that I did this, but I believe it is from an 80s Monte like was mentioned. It fits real good on the passenger side inner fender.

[Z10]

I'm using a windshield washer bottle and bracket from a 69 Camaro. Works fine.

[In The Ten Ring]

Run it out onto the ground like God intended, there are too many stray dogs anyway. Since most of us don't drive these trucks in winter, distilled water won't even hurt the dogs.

Seriously though, that would be an option for me. I never intend to operate my truck below freezing, distilled water wouldn't hurt anything running out onto the ground. I could drain the radiator when parked for winter like horseless carriage owners used to do.

There is a guy on the forum in the parts section that sells reproduction overflow tanks, you can get one out of a junkyard, get one from Jegs or Summit, or make one.

AFTER SOME REFLECTION, MY IDEA ISN'T SO GREAT. What will I do with water in the block when winter comes? Break my block I guess.

Looks like I need an overflow tank this summer after all.

[coppertone]

This is the one that was mentioned,from a Monte Carlo or an el Camino. I ordered on line from a gm dealer,it was cheaper than buying it local. Just google the part # in the photo I attached.

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by Z10

I'm using a windshield washer bottle and bracket from a 69 Camaro. Works fine.

Man I like that bit of sheet metal covering the gap from grill to core support!

coppertone,

That's a good solution you did, whatever fits in and works.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

Run it out onto the ground like God intended, there are too many stray dogs anyway. Since most of us don't drive these trucks in winter, distilled water won't even hurt the dogs.

Seriously though, that would be an option for me. I never intend to operate my truck below freezing, distilled water wouldn't hurt anything running out onto the ground.

AFTER SOME REFLECTION, MY IDEA ISN'T SO GREAT. What will I do with water in the block when winter comes? Break my block I guess.

Looks like I need an overflow tank this summer after all.

The problem with straight water is that it has no corrosion inhibitors. That's why antifreeze wears out, the inhibitors get used up. The "anti freeze" part stays good. Water flowing over dissimilar metals create electrical currents which cause erosion of the metal. Your engine has cast iron, steel, copper, brass, and most likely aluminum all in contact with the water. The inhibitors work to stop this current flow in the water. This is the reason aluminum thermostat housings get eaten up from the inside.

[Hoodogie]

could I use a stock windshield washer tank as an overflow tank?

[Carl Spangler]

OK, I got the tank installed.

Do I need to change the radiator 'cap'? I filled the radiator but fluid doesn't flow into the overflow tank when the engine is hot.

thanks

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

OK, I got the tank installed.

Do I need to change the radiator 'cap'? I filled the radiator but fluid doesn't flow into the overflow tank when the engine is hot.

thanks

I got a 13lb cap for a closed system (not a lever vent style). Radiator full to the top, coolant bottle half way full. After a hot shut down, mine pukes a small amount into the bottle, as engine cools off it draws it back into the radiator.

[slikside]

Sub'd.

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by yuccales

I got a 13lb cap for a closed system (not a lever vent style). Radiator full to the top, coolant bottle half way full. After a hot shut down, mine pukes a small amount into the bottle, as engine cools off it draws it back into the radiator.

Thanks!

I'll replace the 16# flip cap with s 13# non-flipper.

I also had to fix the plastic tube at the bottom of the plastic tank. There was a sharp casting line right down the tube which caused a big leak. This replacement GM part was really low quality.

[Carl Spangler]

So after a little bit of rework I finally have a good working system. Tank fluid level rises ~1" when the engine is hot.

13# cap works great!



My WAG is that the coolant should stay slightly cooler (when under heavy load) because the radiator is now always full vs ~4" below the filler cap with the factory 'dump it overboard' design.

[HO455]

Is that the G-body tank?

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by HO455

Is that the G-body tank?

This is it: "OEM Coolant Overflow Reservoir Tank 78-87 El Camino Monte Carlo Malibu 14085692"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Coolant-...4AAOSw65FXrgGg

It's a fairly tight fit. The hood hinge just barely clears it. A slightly shorter tank would be preferable.......... IMO.

[HO455]

Well the price of convenience. Mine is lower but I had to put a lot more work into the installation. A fair trade off. I would have gone with the G-body tank if only I had known.