Chevrolet coolant condensor can

[8threcce]

Originally Posted by Grant Bowker

I measure the CMP can as very close to 6-3/4" diameter (including the rim, just because that is the easier dimension to take) and very close to 8-1/2" height (again including the rims) - so shorter and fatter than what the commercial reproductions. Getting into the detail, there is a difference in the water connection (as opposed to the central vent tube) on the bottom of the can between the cans made to mount on the cab side and those made to mount under the floor. In the attached photos, the underfloor mounted tank(s) is the one with the water connection on the side opposite the mounting straps so that the connection is (almost) at the low point of the tank whereas for the tank ponted on the side of the cab, the connection is closest to the cab and less exposed to damege. The can with dark green paint is the side of cab version, the others are the under floor version. The commercial reproduction construction more closely resembles the side of cab mounted CMP cans (both appear to have been mounted vertically rather than on an angle under the floor).

If only one version were to be reproduced, the one for use under the floor would probably be better (less volume of water sitting in the can at rest).
Also attached is a page on the condensor can from Convoy Magazine (Years ago, I did ask Marc Montgomery if it was acceptable to share the content of Convoy. He said it was OK.) The Convoy Magazine version is the under floor mount version.

There have been a number of discussions of the condensor/overflow/expansion tank/can over the years. One at http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...9647#post49647 included a drawing from Bruce Parker, attached to try to group information. Bruce's is the side of cab version.

Attachment 115471 Attachment 115470

Attachment 115472 Attachment 115473

Sorry for my late reaction on this thread since I'm now confronted with the search of a condensor.
Are there any pictures that show how the condensor is hooked up to the radiator??

[Grant Bowker]

The connections are on the bottom face of the can(vertical on the long axis). The connection in the center is open to atmosphere as a vent. The off-center connection is connected by tube to the overflow on the radiator neck.

[Harry Moon]

I've seen a few of these NOS that when used rusted out within a pretty short period of time. I use mine for show and use a black plastic oil bottle zap strapped next to the radiator for the real overflow and return.

[Grant Bowker]

I've wondered whether the various gas tank sealing products might work for sealing and rustproofing the interior of the condenser cans. I hadn't really looked in past to see how they perform in warm/hot conditions (shouldn't have to worry about much over the boiling point of your coolant).
One review on POR15's web site says they used it with success on a coolant recovery tank.
KBS coatings say their tank sealer is good for up to 500 degrees (assume Fahrenheit). Thy also give test results for chemical exposures.

At least the CMP coolant recovery tanks aren't under either positive or negative pressure...

[cordenj]

Recently acquired this brass Condensor Can, marked C-124238, from a long-term CMP collector.

Single pipes at each end. Has been painted olive green in the past, no other colour.

Were these fitted to early CMPs? Pre-dated the shorter steel versions?

Thanks

[Alex van de Wetering]

Were these fitted to early CMPs? Pre-dated the shorter steel versions?

John, as far as I know Cab 11's were never factory fitted with the condensor can, but you do see them on most, not all, Cab 12's delivered from the factory. So, I am guessing they were introduced somewhere in 1941. These are all the "normal" smaller size cans though.

Could your can be from an MCP truck maybe?....or something armoured.....Fox, Otter???

[Grant Bowker]

Based only on the stamped part number, I would not assume this to be a CMP part. The prefix "C" isn't isn't typical of either Ford (usually more than one letter and not normally C without another letter) or Chevrolet (normally no letters) in the period. Just looking at Chevrolet part numbers, they appear to have been assigned more or less sequentially in the order that the part was developed and by 1930 Chevrolet was already past 124238 in numbers so I doubt this would be a Chevrolet designed part developed for CMP use. I also don't see 124283 in any of the CMP parts books I checked.
Having said this, it is an opinion - not a guaranteed fact. I could be completely out to lunch on this and have missed somthing obvious.