[mr0077]

Ron, another point to consider, the overflow tube is useful to connect to either a recovery tank or a vent tube to vent excess coolant to the bottom of the car instead of the top of the radiator. Even if it vents coolant when hot, it shouldn't cause short-term problems with your cooling or cooling system. Without it (or if it leaks at the joint) it vent okay but will suck in air (instead of coolant from the recovery tank) when it cools down. Test it by raising the tube to the recovery tank straight up above the radiator cap and fill it with water. If your joint doesn't leak you're probably okay.