Does a coolant overflow need a vent?
It’s vented, but it needs to be the recirculating type. A radiator overflow tank collects the expanding coolant that is heated by the engine and recycles it back into the coolant system once it loses enough heat. …
What to do if coolant comes out of overflow tube?
Radiator cap would be the first thing to replace. Then check the coolant level in both the radiator and the reservior. If your overflow reservoir is the type with both the tube from the radiator and the overflow tube attached, then the two tubes have been switched. Another possibility – head gasket.
How to calculate the height of the coolant overflow tank?
The tank itself is a bizarre twisty shape so I can’t just look in there with a flashlight to estimate the height. When it was last in the shop they said the coolant level was OK, but when I take the radiator cap off when it is cold the fluid level is well below the drain tube, just about at the bottom of the “neck”, which does not look right to me.
How can I tell if my overflow reservoir has been switched?
Then check the coolant level in both the radiator and the reservior. If your overflow reservoir is the type with both the tube from the radiator and the overflow tube attached, then the two tubes have been switched. Another possibility – head gasket. But that’s after eliminating all the other cooling system problem possibilities.
What causes a car’s coolant reservoir to overflow?
Be sure you have the proper level of coolant in your vehicle. Overfilling may cause overflowing. Cheap and easy to replace, this is the first thing to check. Your problem may simply be a loose or damaged cap not keeping coolant where it needs to be. The radiator cap is designed to allow access to fluids in a ‘closed’ system.
Where does the coolant go in an overflow tank?
If you look at just about any overflow reservoir (not an expansion tank), the hose from the radiator run off goes to the bottom of the tank (or dips down to the bottom of the tank from the lid). This puts the outlet in coolant when at proper level. This allows for excess pressure to vent to the reservoir as well as any coolant.
What to do when coolant does not drain back into radiator?
The level in the overflow bottle gets high and stays that way until i siphon it out. Fill the radiator, Install a cooling system pressure tester and pump it up to around 10 psi. Start the engine and rev it up and down, watching the pressure gauge carefully.
Is there a vacuum between the overflow tank and radiator?
There has to be a vacuum between the overflow tank and radiator. A hole in the hose will prevent a vacuum from occuring. Also, a radiator cap that does not seal will prevent flowback when the radiator cools. Is the coolant system emptying itself? What is your concern? You probably have some sort of air leak on the coolant overflow hose.
How can I tell if my coolant tank is leaking?
Easy to do, will tell you whether you have a leak somewhere. Got the new cap on today…hopefully that does the trick. Also, make sure the rubber hoses connecting to th overflow tank are not cracked or leaking. Pull them off, hold your thumb over one end, and pressurize each one.