Radiator overflows after short drive

[Vinnie]

Hi folks,

Today I drove my 73 for 20 minutes tops. Max speed was 70mph at some point but mostly it was easy going.

When I got back I noticed my radiator was overflowing. It's filled above the cold fill mark so I know there's too much coolant in there but it makes me wonder if such short drives should actually have this effect or if I should start investigating... I tried to take the cap off the radiator but didn't as soon as water sprayed out...

Any thoughts on this matter are appreciated!

Cheers,

Vincent.

 

[mudbilly]

When I first got my car, the radiator would always have fluid coming out of the overflow after I parked after any drive. I'd fill it up and same thing over and over. After awhile I just gave up and the radiator always looks low, it is filled to right above the top of the coils, and it like it at that level. It has NEVER overheated with 2 different motors even in high 90's humid weather.

 

[peche 71]

I had a similar result on a 74 Torino, and a new thermostat fixed the problem.

 

[will e]

Hey Vinnie. I am going to guess stuck thermostat. (based on personal experience)

 

[TheRktmn]

I had a 351 in the early 80s that did that - puked w/o overheating or even getting hot. It was the radiator cap.

 

[red351]

What mudbilly said true if it wasn't over heating it was overfilled. Yes it would push more out takeing the cap off as its coming out the overflow. 2 to 3 in. down when its cold is about right.

 

[timachone]

If your radiator hoses are getting hot after a while of operation your thermostat should operate generally fine.

If you have no signs of overheating such as too high temperature on your engine I would not even suspect the radiator cap.

It is normal that if the coolant expands and you have too much level it spits a little out. It takes time to level the correct coolant level out - the same was by me. If everything other on your cooling system works correct your radiator levels his coolant level from itself. If there is no spitting after a few drives anymore and the coolant level lowers not from this point on I would say it's all right ::thumb::

 

[Vinnie]

I'll just keep an eye on it then, thanks guys!

 

[will e]

Glad to hear you get to drive it around a bit. Does it have a Cleveland? If so and you replace the thermostat make sure you get the 'correct' one. Some searching on the forum will show you the difference.

 

[Vinnie]

I got a 351C in it yeah. I saw thermostats specifically for that engine indeedio.