Puke Tank Hood Clearance

[ou812545]

Has anyone with a SPF and 351W had any issues with Surge take upper radiator hose hitting the hood when the engine torques to the right?

It is happening to my car and it actually started chipping the paint on the hood between the hood lip and the fender.

[xlr8or]

Sounds like it's time for new motor mounts.

PS: it's a surge tank. The puke tank goes on the firewall for the oil breathers.

[thudmaster]

I have to say I have never had that problem. I think xlrlor is right. Check your motor mounts. Either broken or not bolted down.............

[601HP]

I think most owners and parts retailers refer to it as an expansion tank.

[smeredith]

I had almost the same issue the first couple of weeks I drove mine. I found a small chip that was being slightly rubbed by the cap on the expansion tank. I took the cap off, turned it half a turn, and put back on. Problem solved. The space between one side of the cap and the hood was very very close.

[RedBarchetta]

If you're getting that much torque twist on the motor, you may also want to check the pipe exit on the upper driver side and lower passenger side. You may actually be hitting there, too.

-Dean #747

[greg schroeder]

the lower passenger pipe exit is probably chipped too.

[ou812545]

Yes Yes Yes, it's a Surge Tank or expansion tank Not a Puke tank. I plan to look at the motor mounts this weekend.
Thanks for all the feedback on this. It doesn't sound like a common problem.

Thanks,
Dan

[vettestr]

After the mounts and all are OK you might think about a snubber. I often use a chain with links large enough to allow a 3/8's bolt to be put in a link. Place the bolt/chain in the front of the left cylinder head and then run chain down to the frame or upper control arm. Leave chain just loose enough to move a little but limit any rocking of engine on its mounts.

This is the best of all worlds because it has less vibration than solid motor mounts but allows very little movement. GM used a cable instead of a chain but did the same thing on BB Vettes on late 80's models. Works great.

[jwd]

Originally Posted by vettestr

GM used a cable instead of a chain but did the same thing on BB Vettes on late 80's models. Works great.

Last year of the big block Corvette was 1974. Never seen one that came with a cable or chain.

Jim

[vettestr]

Jim,
I know my fat finger said 80's but I meant 60's Vette. I will look up the part number and list for ya. Also used on other GM BB cars, it was a cable and a metal eyelet piece that went around the upper control arm shaft and to the head. I know you can still get them for restorations. jeff c

[jwd]

Jeff

I've seen what you're talking about. They were never installed at the factory. There was a TSB addressing problems with cars that were supplied with non-locking motor mounts that instructed dealers to retro-fit with the cable kit.

Jim

[Madmiles442]

Yes, my expansion tank rubs the inside of the hood.
At the same time, I had to replace the motor mounts (splitting rubber) and the expansion tank (rusty weld at neck fitting) so I don't know which one caused it.
It hasn't caused any problems, and the underside of my hood is no longer a showpiece, so I just keep rocking on...