Adding radiator overflow tank

[bgsmith]

I have an older tractor (1975; deere 2030) which has a radiator overflow tube that drains to the ground. Is there any problem with adding a simple overflow tank to capture the overflow when hot and return it as the radiator cools? There is space for a tank in front of the radiator.

 

[seville009]

Many threads....here's one

Is there a need for a coolant overflow tank?

I have searched for replacement tanks. All are large or custom shapes to fit in small spaces. The idea is not dead just on a lower priority. Great ideas though. -R You might also want to look at windshield washer reservoir bottles. Those tend to run a bit smaller some may be too small.

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[Roadworthy]

Review your project carefully. It's pretty simple to have a catch tank if you plan to return the fluid manually. If you want it to happen automatically I think you'll need a non pressure cap on your radiator to allow fluid to flow freely to and from the catch tank. The catch tank would then have the pressure cap. Of course the overflow hose would extend to the bottom of the catch tank so it wouldn't suck air back into your radiator.

 

[jaxs]

The cooling system will benifit by way of slightly better cooling capability and more so by less corrosion. If coolant doesn't return during cool down,you'll need a different radiator cap. I've had less than optimum results by coating lip on radiator neck with rtv to serve as gasket which is on coolant recovery caps.

 

[Fixastuff]

I've never seen one of those systems actually return coolant to the radiator. I have seen more than a few tractors overheated because owners looked there and saw plenty of antifreeze when in fact the radiator was empty....they do work for catching overflow though.

 

[jaxs]

I've never seen one of those systems actually return coolant to the radiator. I have seen more than a few tractors overheated because owners looked there and saw plenty of antifreeze when in fact the radiator was empty....they do work for catching overflow though.

I have seen only a few on tractors. I find it amazing that you've seen that many on tractors with unattenetive owners.

 

[Fixastuff]

I have seen only a few on tractors. I find it amazing that you've seen that many on tractors with unattenetive owners.

Used to work on tractors then ran a shop for a while. The stuff you see from owners when you do it all the time is amazing, you are correct.

 

[RalphVa]

I have an older tractor (1975; deere 2030) which has a radiator overflow tube that drains to the ground. Is there any problem with adding a simple overflow tank to capture the overflow when hot and return it as the radiator cools? There is space for a tank in front of the radiator.

Did it on the 1983 Benz and on our Isuzu diesel generator driver. Just drill a hole into about a liter or 2 container, pour in an inch or two of coolant and run the tube into it.

 

[LouNY]

Yes, you can add an over flow tank. You will need a sealed pressure cap for the radiator,
your deere dealer or auto parts store should have one.
The sealed ones are designed for recovery bottles they will draw a vacuum as the system
cools to suck back out of the recovery tank.
And yes periodically you should remove the radiator cap to verify your coolant is full to the top
when using a recovery bottle.

 

[RalphVa]

Yes, you can add an over flow tank. You will need a sealed pressure cap for the radiator,
your deere dealer or auto parts store should have one.
The sealed ones are designed for recovery bottles they will draw a vacuum as the system
cools to suck back out of the recovery tank.
And yes periodically you should remove the radiator cap to verify your coolant is full to the top
when using a recovery bottle.

I never changed radiator caps. With an overflow reservoir, it'll just suck liquid up instead of air. Any air will be in the reservoir.