I have seen it both ways, did 1970 442, with W25 is it supposed to have a coolant revisor, or just the tube down to the ground?
thanks

 

Tube to the ground.
But it's a good idea to have a reservoir.

 

Thank you!

 

I agree, if it's not a concourse restoration and you drive the car even just a bit as in to and from work, a coolant recovery tank (with the correct radiator cap) makes more sense than a non-recovery setup.

 

Thanks, not concourse, a fun driver that I may take to local shows or cars&coffee, I saw a kit on YearOne is that what you guys would recommend?

QUOTE=Fun71;1227846]I agree, if it's not a concourse restoration and you drive the car even just a bit as in to and from work, a coolant recovery tank (with the correct radiator cap) makes more sense than a non-recovery setup.[/QUOTE]

 

I bought one of these for my car from the local auto parts store for under $20. I try to buy regular stuff locally and save the hard to source items from the restoration houses.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...niversal&pos=1

 

FYI --

 

thanks for the info, going to get the kit, however what is the right radiator cap? Why doesnt the OEM work?
thanks

 

It's important not to confuse the rad cap and the overfill tank cap. They are indeed two different sizes. As it goes for rad caps, man that's a personal choice of form and function. I've switched to a Safety Cap for the radiator.

I switched from the OEM overfill tank to the to the one pictured first above (bought through YearOne) and the OEM one was like a glass milk bottle cap made of metal in lieu plastic in the kit. The metal one was rusting out and a laminated paper piece was flaking off. I had considered buying household items like glass milk bottle with similar looking/size metal caps to change out for but, it wasn't worth the hassle.

I could be quoting an incorrect statement but, had read once that the recovery tank was at one-time a dealer install option, not factory.

 

The OEM cap doesn't have a gasket to seal between the lip of the radiator fill neck and the cap; it won't hold vacuum as the radiator cools down. Therefore it can't return coolant from the tank into the radiator.

You could buy a cap with the gasket, but there's a much cheaper and original-looking solution. Cut a gasket from inner tube material and put it in your OEM cap. It will work perfectly.

 

Install note on the pictured aftermarket overflow kit- with OAI hood you can turn the overflow brkt screw holes 90* (w/ pliers) and screw it to each side of the hood lock brkt on rad sppt so you don’t have to drill anything other than the hood brkt. I hope that makes sense!

 

Those not using an overflow catch should make sure they are not overfilling their radiator. There is a mark on the passenger side tank(factory radiators) that shows the fluid level is about 3" below the cap when cold. I've seen quite a few people who top the radiator off. Then when the engine gets warm, it pushes the excess out, and they think their car is overheating.

 

You would need a radiator cap designed for a coolant recovery tank. These caps have a valve that allows the coolant to flow back into the radiator after the radiator cools and the pressure drops. Regular caps do not have the return flow valve.

From an old (2016) thread:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...or-cap-107286/