Radiator fluid

[gpdno]

My 1979 CJ7 with L6 engine does not have an overflow bottle for the radiator. I have a aftermarket temp gauge and when running it will sit at or below 180F. Problem is that I have to add new radiator fluid at least once a week to keep the radiator topped off.
Is this simply because I don't have a recovery bottle or is it a sign of a bigger problem?
Thanks,
Greg

 

[DHugg]

My 1979 CJ7 with L6 engine does not have an overflow bottle for the radiator. I have a aftermarket temp gauge and when running it will sit at or below 180F. Problem is that I have to add new radiator fluid at least once a week to keep the radiator topped off.
Is this simply because I don't have a recovery bottle or is it a sign of a bigger problem?
Thanks,
Greg

I have an '80 CJ7 with AMC 304 that runs hotter than normal due to dirty radiator. The pressurized radiator cap is so efficient that, even when at 200 degrees, it doesn't release pressure. I can go to the garage in the morning after the engine cools overnight and will get sprayed just opening the radiator cap to check fluid level.

Best to get a new, good quality radiator cap for starters.

 

[Torxhead]

Radiator coolant expands as it heats up, making a coolant recovery bottle a good thing to have. They are available at the big box 4wd outfits. This way your radiator will always be full.

 

[007]

Radiator coolant expands as it heats up, making a coolant recovery bottle a good thing to have. They are available at the big box 4wd outfits. This way your radiator will always be full.

I added an off-the-shelf job from the local auto parts store and it helped me for sure. If you do this, and if it comes with clear tubing - trash the tubing and get some fuel line or something to use instead to plumb it up.

 

[gpdno]

Thanks, just one more thing to buy

 

[JimsCJ5]

We used one of those SS tanks they sell on eBay. I think I paid $30. Anyway it works well and does not take up a lot of space. I also run one in my 65 mustang.

 

[gutthans]

In a pinch, any polyethylene bottle can do as a reservoir...until you can lay out the cash for a real one.

You'll need a clean plastic bottle (or glass one, etc.) that has a screw or push on lid. Make a hole about 1/32 inch smaller than the diameter of the hose you have...run the hose straight from the radiator cap to the new bottle and simply push the hose into the cap hole until it's about 1 " from the bottom of the bottle.

When you can afford the real thing...change it out...'til then, you have a hillbilly overflow bottle

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Most coolant is a deadly poison and animals are attracted to it from the smell.
Please use a 'catch' bottle.
Also-Don't refill with 'tap' water-Used distilled only.
LG

 

[Posi]

Problem is that I have to add new radiator fluid at least once a week to keep the radiator topped off.
Is this simply because I don't have a recovery bottle or is it a sign of a bigger problem?

It's because you topped it off. Your CJ came from the factory with an overflow bottle, but years ago when the bottles weren't offered the radiators were not topped off, rather filled to just above the core to leave room for expansion.

 

[Torxhead]

Bottles were installed so more coolant could be run at a higher pressure, helping to make a cooler system. At least that's the way I remember it, without looking it all up on the net.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Overflow bottles are used to keep air pockets out of the cooling system.
LG

 

[Posi]

It's because you topped it off. Your CJ came from the factory with an overflow bottle, but years ago when the bottles weren't offered the radiators were not topped off, rather filled to just above the core to leave room for expansion.

Bottles were installed so more coolant could be run at a higher pressure, helping to make a cooler system. At least that's the way I remember it, without looking it all up on the net.

There were two reasons why the OP had too keep adding fluid.
Missing overflow bottle and topping off the fluid.
What I was referring to, by not running an overflow bottle he should have filled to just above the core similar to the earlier models that ran without bottles this would allow room for expansion without coolant loss. As mentioned the OP needs to add a bottle.

 

[gpdno]

Added an overflow bottle today
Bought it off eBay

 

[73CJ]

Most coolant is a deadly poison and animals are attracted to it from the smell.
Please use a 'catch' bottle.
Also-Don't refill with 'tap' water-Used distilled only.
LG

There is EG (green) and PG (red). Pg will not harm animals in small quantities.