Another reason for installing an overflow bottle on a TR3: A check of the
coolant level can be made without unscrewing the radiator cap. Unless one
is diligent in supporting the bottom of that long neck when putting pressure
on the cap to remove it, there will eventually be stress fractures where it
meets the tank that will cause pin hole leaks , and of course, removing the
radiator to fix them means removing the front cowl, and if some DPO has
leaded in the body seams, removing the seams means a paint job, and while
you're at it.... Well at least that's what I told my wife.
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Massey" <105671.471@compuserve.com>
To: "Bill Pugh" <anabil@caltel.com>
Cc: "[unknown]" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2001 11:37 AM
Subject: Re: TR 4 radiator overflow bottle
> Message text written by Bill Pugh
> >Obviously the Brits had not yet figured out that water, when heated,
> expands and when inevitably cooled, un-expands (is that a word?).
> Hence the notes in the owners manual to check your fluif levels
> frequently. It was the same in 1957 with my TR3, but I chose to
> follow scientific principles and install an overflow bottle. I have
> not had occasion to check my water fluif level since (other than an
> occasional glance at the overflow bottle).
> So unless you are a Concours Purists, I can highly recommend this
> modern addition. <G>
> <
>
> I highly doubt a scientifically advanced society such as the British Auto
> Industry would have overlooked the principal of thermal expansion. I
think
> that we tend to overfill our radiators. If you have a look at the TR3
> radiator you will see that the top tank (reservoir) is quite large. Add
in
> the volume of the filler neck there is quite a bit of room for volumetric
> expansion of the coolant - as long as you don't insist on filling the
> radiator right to the top when cold. This is typical of British
radiators.
> If you have ever seen the radiator from a big Healey you will see a quite
> exagerated top tank. This is to allow enough room for the coolant to
> expand into when hot but still keep the tubes and head full when cool.
> Remember, the reservoir does no cooling - it is the tubes.
>
> What has changed since then is our environmental awareness. It is no
> longer appropriate to just fill the radiator with a toxic substance like
> ethylene glycol and allow the excess to be discharged onto the ground.
> This is reason enough to install a coolant recovery bottle. Also, this
> bottle allows one to actually keep the reservoir right full AND provide a
> quick visual check on coolant status since these bottle are almost
> universally translucent. Also there is little motivation to keep the
> recovery bottle full so there will likely be plenty of room for expansion.
>
> Those who have made modifications for increased engine power production
may
> find that additional cooling system performance is also required but the
> stock cooling system in good working condition is likely up to most
> situations with a stock engine. To my knowledge, any TR has a better
> cooling system than my 65 MGB had!
>
> Cheers all
>
> Dave
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