Spiting out Coolant
#1
Spiting out Coolant
Hello, I have a 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass holiday Coup with a stock 330ci Motor and a 2-speed transmission. I purchased her in May last year and put a lot of work and money into her. She runs fantastic now that she has the engine out, put all new freeze plugs, a new water pump, a new carburetor, new hoses, fuel lines, tank, brakes, and more. But if there is one problem that she still has is a coolant leak. I had the radiator record, a new water pump and lines, and coolant. I replaced the thermostat and gasket, but when I run her, she’ll still spit out the coolant from the overfill line. I don’t believe she blew a head gasket because there is no oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil. Now I replaced the coolant, but it looks brown and rusty, and I was wondering if that could be the problem. But I’m open to any possibilities. Thanks, Monroe James.
#2
Are you overfilling the radiator? These older cars without a coolant recovery tank are not designed to fill the radiator all the way to the cap. You're supposed to leave an air gap for the coolant to expand. Many of the original radiators will have a stamped line that indicates the appropriate fill level. This is from my 1967 Delta as an example.
#4
#6
#8
Thanks for the advice. I didn’t know that there might be a cold line mark. So I would fill her up to just above the fins on the radiator. And it’s normal to spit up coolant if overfilled. Really appreciate the help guys, she is my first classic and 100% original and I just wanna enjoy her! 😊
#9
You can always rig up an overflow bottle. There may be a holder already there that was for storing a bottle of washer fluid. If you can find yourself one of those, you can run the overflow hose to that, instead of it venting onto the ground. A tad more environmentally-friendly.
#10
Thanks for the advice. I didn’t know that there might be a cold line mark. So I would fill her up to just above the fins on the radiator. And it’s normal to spit up coolant if overfilled. Really appreciate the help guys, she is my first classic and 100% original and I just wanna enjoy her! 😊
#11
If it's a show car an overflow bottle that was easily removed could be installed. If it isn't a show car one could be added semi-permantely. As mentioned coolant spills aren't environmentally friendly AND they are quite dangerous to pets.
Good luck and enjoy your ride!
Good luck and enjoy your ride!
#13
Pages 2-6 and 2-7 of the 1964 Oldsmobile Service Manual (no. 1) says:
The coolant should be kept at a level below top of filler neck seat as follows:
3/4" - coolant cold
1/4" - coolant hot
The coolant should be kept at a level below top of filler neck seat as follows:
3/4" - coolant cold
1/4" - coolant hot
#16
As discussed here see if it will seek its own level. If not next step is to get a pressure tester on the system. You can test the cap with this tool as well.
If the coolant is rusty try changing it a couple more times. Likely a lot of contamination in a nearly 60 yr old system.
Google cooling system tester. Get a good one not harborjunk.
If the coolant is rusty try changing it a couple more times. Likely a lot of contamination in a nearly 60 yr old system.
Google cooling system tester. Get a good one not harborjunk.
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