Info needed: C60 radiator overflow tank connection

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Ken

Which Pattern 12 it comes off the filler neck, 13 off the top tank, but don't forget get the steam relief line coming off the back of the block which connects to the top tank as well.

Both the recovery tank and the steam relief are very important to making cooling system work correctly. I run all three of my CMPs with the steam relief open just a little bit which first vents any steam or air out of the back of the block, it also allows coolant to start circulating when the thermostat is closed fully when starting, helping to stop hot spots in the block.

When the coolant recovery system is working as designed it really keeps the radiator full at all times. You may have seen the photo of my Pat 12 running with an clear bottle attached to the vent on the standard coolant recovery tank. This is how I charge the recovery tank with coolant so that it always as some coolant whether engine is cold or full hot.

Cheers Phil

[Ken Thomas]

Thanks Phil, could you give me a diagram or photo of the overflow pipe from the centre of the top tank to the point where it connects to the hose to the overflow tank. I want to determine the shape & length of the copper pipe & how it is supported i.e. where it may be soldered to the top tank or side strap before it connects to the hose. Thanks Ken.

[Grant Bowker]

Two images of the radiator in my Cab 13 C15A.

[Ken Thomas]

Hi Grant thanks for that. Exactly what I needed. I will take it to the radiator shop tomorrow. Ken. And thanks again to Phil.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Ken

This is why I have enjoyed MLU for all these years, a question gets asked and answered in short order. Grant beat me on the photos of the Pat 13 Radiator recovery and seam relief tube locations, so below is the top tank of Pattern 12 Chev Radiator which is different.

Pat 12 Rad.jpg

Please post some photos of your new radiator.

Cheers Phil

[Harry Moon]

Do we need the steam relief with a 54 235? High water passeges on the head.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Harry

I've added them to both my C60S with 261 and C60L with 235. With my testing on engine test stand I've come to the conclusion that running the engine with the steam valve just barely open helps getting the engine to equalize temperature faster and better. My Pattern 12 had overheating problems with 216, before it got the 235 which fixed the over heating. The combination good seal on the radiator cap and coolant recovery tank keeps the radiator full of coolant to the point that when you remove the radiator cap it dumps coolant all over the engine. Loose about 16 ounces of coolant.

Have photos of fittings to use on the latter engine's, will dig them out and post.

Cheers Phil