E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Classifieds => Parts Wanted => Topic started by: 73TopBanana on June 13, 2021, 03:26:47 PM

Title: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 13, 2021, 03:26:47 PM
Hi All, would a stock coolant recovery system be useful? After a drive, can see underneath some coating of antifreeze on the chassis.
Any suggestions? Thanks
Banana out.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Mrbill426 on June 13, 2021, 03:54:39 PM
First make sure you don't have a leak somewhere; then check your radiator cap (they are cheap insurance) to make sure it is working properly e.g. holding system pressure as it is supposed to do.  Auto parts stores do sell universal overflow (recovery) tanks though.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 14, 2021, 06:45:53 AM
Thanks for you help
Happy Flag Day  :unitedstates:
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: RUNCHARGER on June 14, 2021, 06:50:00 AM
They're a good addition. Do you keep topping up the rad? They will usually stop overflowing when they reach a certain level.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Burdar on June 14, 2021, 07:24:00 AM
For a non-recovery system, you don't fill the rad completely up to the top.  There is usually a little flat "shelf" under the cap that indicates the fill level.  That being said, it's not a bad idea to add one if you aren't concerned about looking stock.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 14, 2021, 07:44:40 AM
There are no leaks, i do fill to correct level and have correct cap.
Thanks for the help, i will decide what to do
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Mrbill426 on June 14, 2021, 08:18:46 AM
Not to  :deadhorse: but correct cap because it is working properly; sealing properly?


Quote from: 73TopBanana on June 14, 2021, 07:44:40 AM
There are no leaks, i do fill to correct level and have correct cap.
Thanks for the help, i will decide what to do
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 14, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Yes it is, i may be getting paranoid for nothing, thinking about it, could just be a small amount of antifreeze that comes out of the overflow tube
Thanks
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Fern on June 14, 2021, 01:58:48 PM
You could just put the tube into a holding tank so it doesn't go on the floor. That way you have an idea how much is coming out of it.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 14, 2021, 02:29:57 PM
True, thanks
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: jimynick on June 14, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
While perhaps not being the most aesthetic, it wasn't un-common in the day to see, as a puke tank, a beer can with the overflow hose stuck in it. If you're going for Day 2 authenticity, that may be an option.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: blown motor on June 14, 2021, 07:57:15 PM
@jimynick (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/jimynick_55) That must have been a Bruce County thing. You never saw that where I came from.  :pokeeye:
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: YellowThumper on June 14, 2021, 07:59:54 PM
They used the tall boys where I come from
..
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: MoparLeo on June 14, 2021, 11:41:08 PM
Lets see...how many cars made in the last 40 + years don't have one ? The point of the recovery system is to keep air out of the cooling system.
When the coolant heats up and expands it goes into the tank. When the coolant cools down it gets sucked back into the radiator. The radiator is completely full at all times. Beer cans etc... were to keep coolant off the driveway, garage floor ( and mandatory if you went to a race track, coolant is slippery) etc... Regardless you need a properly functioning cap. A very common cause of overheating is a cap that does not hold pressure.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Timmy2Tires on June 15, 2021, 04:42:06 PM
You can get a repop on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/223335692273
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: GrandpaKevin on June 15, 2021, 05:44:37 PM
Depending on how original you want/need to be I used this polished stainless recovery tank on my wife's Challenger.

I mounted it right next to the radiator and it works perfectly.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/113667001521?hash=item1a7714ccb1:g:hogAAOSwXahbV5Mv
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: jimynick on June 15, 2021, 06:17:31 PM
Quote from: blown motor on June 14, 2021, 07:57:15 PM
@jimynick (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/jimynick_55) That must have been a Bruce County thing. You never saw that where I came from.  :pokeeye:
LOL! That's because in Perth County they couldn't afford beer in cans, they drank that pumpkin juice pony pee out of dirty old Mason jars!  :))
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Claudia on June 16, 2021, 08:36:57 AM
I added an aftermarket overflow tank to my car.  Although I think they should have added a slight flare to the hose connection points . . . otherwise, I am pretty happy with mine so far.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 16, 2021, 04:40:28 PM
Systems look great! Well done.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 16, 2021, 04:42:01 PM
Lets see...how many cars made in the last 40 + years don't have one ?

What does this statement mean?
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 16, 2021, 04:43:12 PM
Lets see...how many cars made in the last 40 + years don't have one ?

What does this statement mean?
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Burdar on June 17, 2021, 05:40:42 AM
QuoteI added an aftermarket overflow tank to my car.  Although I think they should have added a slight flare to the hose connection points . . . otherwise, I am pretty happy with mine so far.

:iagree: On the lack of a flare.  My solution was to cut off the tube and drill out the bottom of the tank.  Then I added a 6AN fitting in the bottom so I could run aluminum hard line up to the rad cap.  The overflow tube is still in place on the bottom.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRv9GsR7/DSC03203_zpsxmjm4t3c.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Cudajason on June 17, 2021, 06:57:47 AM
Quote from: Burdar on June 17, 2021, 05:40:42 AM
QuoteI added an aftermarket overflow tank to my car.  Although I think they should have added a slight flare to the hose connection points . . . otherwise, I am pretty happy with mine so far.

:iagree: On the lack of a flare.  My solution was to cut off the tube and drill out the bottom of the tank.  Then I added a 6AN fitting in the bottom so I could run aluminum hard line up to the rad cap.  The overflow tube is still in place on the bottom.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRv9GsR7/DSC03203_zpsxmjm4t3c.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

DUDE! that looks awesome.

I have the hard plastic overflow can adn rubber lines.  I may have to upgrade now!!!
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 17, 2021, 07:04:51 AM
First choice challenger top banana, second choice challenger panther pink!
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: YellowThumper on June 17, 2021, 06:55:59 PM
74s came with factory ones. Mount by side of radiator near battery. Although they are not puurdy...
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Brads70 on June 17, 2021, 07:21:07 PM
Quote from: Claudia on June 16, 2021, 08:36:57 AM
I added an aftermarket overflow tank to my car.  Although I think they should have added a slight flare to the hose connection points . . . otherwise, I am pretty happy with mine so far.

Please, please, please consider getting rid of that glass fuel filter. IMO they should be illegal! They can break or rattle loose. A disaster waiting to happen!  I know from personal experience. I'd just hate to read on here someday how you lost your car ( or worse!) to a fire. Metal ones are the safest . IMO plastic ones are also not a good idea.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 18, 2021, 06:30:19 AM
Yes, have seen those stock ones for a 74, the overflow on my vehicle is on the passenger side which i can switch but, it gets too cramped in the battery area.
Thanks for the suggestion, am going with a universal stainless steel canister. Was suggested by another member. The emmision canister is gone so have the room.
Have a good day
:unitedstates:
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 73TopBanana on June 18, 2021, 06:32:44 AM
Crap, my vehicle has one of those! Will change to metal when i get a chance.
Thanks for letting us know.
:unitedstates:
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: MoparLeo on June 18, 2021, 09:54:00 AM
The OP's first question was would it be a good idea to have a recovery system. My point was YES. that is why they started to put them on at the factory starting in 1973-4. It helps to prevent coolant loss, overheating and cooling system corrosion.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 71383bee on June 18, 2021, 05:41:25 PM
That 74 recovery bracket is darn near priceless last time I looked.  For a pinch I recommend the "beer can" method or the parts stores have retro fit bottles and brackets. 

Agree that they are a good idea.  I have to top off the one in the 73 every now and then.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: tman on June 18, 2021, 10:22:00 PM
Looks like you rather have the radiator filled up after it does its drain after a drive.  At that point you don't need to fill it anymore.  You would be at the sweet spot to stop filling it.  For me, just getting a can for the overflow just prevents spill on the street.  Then you still need to fill the radiator.  For piece of mind, just get that stock appearing recovery system, then the radiator will be full all the time and no puking.
On my 70 Cuda, I copied someone's system using the windshield washer tank as a recovery system.  It works just like a normal recovery system and you can't tell I have one.  Unless you look at the tank and see green fluid. My radiator is full all the time.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: BIGSHCLUNK on June 19, 2021, 07:32:30 AM
One of the first mods I did years ago was a coolant recovery tank. Got tired of the constant spot and people telling me I had a leak. I fabbed a bracket an set the tank next to the radiator. I highly recommend it, its not had to do. I got pics somewhere I can post if anyone is interested   :wrenching:
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: 1black71rt on June 19, 2021, 09:18:29 AM
https://www.partsmix.com/products/over-flow-bottle-bracket-combo-1973-74-will-fit-70-71-72-73-74-b-body.html

If you want the factory setup.
Title: Re: Coolant recovery systems
Post by: Claudia on June 21, 2021, 04:38:28 AM
Quote from: Brads70 on June 17, 2021, 07:21:07 PM
Quote from: Claudia on June 16, 2021, 08:36:57 AM
I added an aftermarket overflow tank to my car.  Although I think they should have added a slight flare to the hose connection points . . . otherwise, I am pretty happy with mine so far.

Please, please, please consider getting rid of that glass fuel filter. IMO they should be illegal! They can break or rattle loose. A disaster waiting to happen!  I know from personal experience. I'd just hate to read on here someday how you lost your car ( or worse!) to a fire. Metal ones are the safest . IMO plastic ones are also not a good idea.

That picture was from some time ago . . . I no longer have any of the glass style filters.  :bradsthumb: