fe 390 recovery tank circa 1965

MaSnaka · #1 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 05:45 PM

What would be the correct or a correct recovery tank for the cooling system. I have the expansion tank which currently drains to the ground. I'd like to keep it looking 65ish and not put on some clear plastic modern looking thing. Anybody know?

lineslinger · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 06:34 PM

Not sure if I am reading your question correctly, but I believe the recovery and expansion tank are one and the same and it is actually referred to, at least it used to be, as a fill tank, it being mounted higher than any of the other fill points on the engine. The one pictured below is a circa mid 60's.

MaSnaka · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 07:22 PM

I am refering to the tank in your pic as an expantion tank. Maybe a misuse of terms. That is what I have. Is there a recovery tank to catch the coolant that might come out at the cap in the event of boiling over. Then get sucked back into the system when it cools?

lineslinger · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaSnaka

I am refering to the tank in your pic as an expantion tank. Maybe a misuse of terms. That is what I have. Is there a recovery tank to catch the coolant that might come out at the cap in the event of boiling over. Then get sucked back into the system when it cools?

In answer to your question, no.
I have not seen such a catch tank on an original setup, maybe someone else around this site has and can offer up some better insight, but I think the next thing to catch the coolant would be your garage floor or the street.

55312 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 08:49 PM

Remember that in the day....there was no EPA and no concern with isolating toxic materials like ethylene glycol. The fill cap was pressure rated to release the glycol laden steam to an overflow hose thus releasing the pressure in the cooling system. Back in the 50's and 60's it was common to see the goose necked water cans at every filling station island to replenish the water/coolant lost to these overflow episodes. These are not your modern environmental friendly engines. My overflow looks particulary fetching dressed in stainless mesh with AN fitting and exiting directly to the garage floor below the oil pan.

Tim

blueovalfanatic · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 09:05 PM

Im assuming this is what you are referring to, but am wondering as no one has mentioned it yet. These are kinda pricey for what they are, but would look good. Apologies if this is not what you are talking about.

Greg

MaSnaka · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 10:29 AM

Greg, that tank looks great! However I'm looking for something with more of a vintage appearance. Right now I drain to the ground although i don't really have any boilover issues. Which is all fine by me. My neighbor who is a car nut suggested I install a recovery tank so I could hold more coolant and close off the system. I was looking to see if there was a proper tank to use. Apperantly not from what I hear. Thanks for the help guys. Lineslinger's tank looks good. Mine is like that only with black paint.



FE Forums sponsored by Keith Craft Inc.