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Converting to a radiator expansion tank

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by bjbear, Mar 6, 2012.

  1. Mar 6, 2012
    bjbear

    bjbear New Member

    Cold Lake,...
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    Feb 6, 2012
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    I want to convert my 1974 CJ5 radiator with overflow to ground to a proper expansion tank (Not an overflow tank .... i.e. would allow coolant to flow to tank when hot and then return as it cools).

    Anyone had any experience with this? I have found several tanks on EBay, but not sure which one I need exactly as it has to be rated for full radiator pressure. I also am assuming that I will neet to change the cap on my radiator. Can anyone suggest a good vendor that could supply all the parts I need??
     
  2. Mar 6, 2012
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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  3. Mar 6, 2012
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
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    Patrick, I'm assuming you had to run some hose inside the bottle from the fill fitting to somewhere close to the bottom of the bottle, so it can pull coolant when cooled... ??
     
  4. Mar 6, 2012
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
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    That's a good thread for the OP also. Has lots of good info in it. I use a cheaper overflow bottle with the standard rad cap and it works great. I have it mounted on the passenger side fender down low and across from the alternator (on a V8)
     
  5. Mar 6, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    I did basically what Patrick did only I used an aluminum water bottle and a bicycle water bottle mount. I had them laying around and it worked great.
     
  6. Mar 6, 2012
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    Well, not inside the bottle. I put a fitting on the bottom of the bottle for the hose that goes to the radiator neck. Look at the second pic in that thread; you can see the botom fitting (to rad. neck) and the top fitting, which is the overflow for the bottle itself.
     
  7. Mar 6, 2012
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
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    Ah, I see it now. Nice work!
    Thanks for the explanation.
    :tea:
     
  8. Mar 6, 2012
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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  9. Mar 6, 2012
    bjbear

    bjbear New Member

    Cold Lake,...
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  10. Mar 6, 2012
    RATTYFLATTY

    RATTYFLATTY I think you need a little more throttle

    Central MN
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    I used a windshield washer tank from an old Scout I had laying around. It has 3 mounting tabs for easy install and a snowmobile fuel pickup grommet and feed hose works great to get to the bottom of the tank.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  11. Mar 8, 2012
    bjbear

    bjbear New Member

    Cold Lake,...
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    Nice looking set-up!! What is the "Plumbing" in the forefront of the picture? (solenoid activated valve....etc). Any other pictures of your engine compartment you can share??
     
  12. Mar 8, 2012
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
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    Mine isn't nearly as cool as that...but here is a pic of it anyway, bottom right corner:

    [​IMG]
     
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