The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop coolant leaking

Hi all! I decided to get my 216 runnin a couple weeks ago. Put a new water pump on and poured a little petro in the carb and she fired up. I put new upper and lower radiator hoses on also. The other day I started her up and let it run for awhile, I noticed some coolant coming from the overflow tube so I shut her down. I noticed a slight kink in the upper radiator hose also. Do you think this could be the cause or should I change the thermostat also? Thankyou.

olememphis51,

This topic pops up here quite often. I think the general consensus is "baby needs to be burped".

Your water pump R&R might have allowed some air into the system when refilled, and created a few air pockets. This coupled with the fact the radiator could be right up to the filler neck usually results in the system dumping what isn't needed.

I doubt the kink in the upper hose would cause any of these problems...unless your 'slight' is actually drastic.

Unless the old thermostat has been problematic, it should be fine, although some folks change this when they do a water pump just for insurance.

I would run the truck, watching its vitals. I will bet this was a single, post operation hiccup.

Stuart

Most older vehicles I have come in contact with will seek their OWN radiator level. When we try to fill them up, they complain. Just make sure yours chooses its own level that keeps it cool (should be near the top). If this is the case then as atomarc says it will only do it once. If it continues or looses too much water, then consider it abnormal.

I totally agree with atomarc. She needs to burp.

Remove the radiator cap,turn your heater on(be sure any control valves for heater are in the open position)bring the engine up to operating temp,this usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at idle let the excess coolant run out along with any air pockets.

Hope this helps,Hobert

Hey, thanks for the replies, fella's. I think I will shorten the hose and put in a new thermostat anyway. Should have probably done that anyhow. I did have the rad. filled right to the brim too. Apachetrucks, I will try what you said also. Thanks again guy's.