> I have a few questions regarding coolant recovery systems. First off: how
> do they work?
They work very well.
> A resevior is attached to the overflow pipe of the car's
> coolant system? I assume that when coolant is forced out at that pipe (by
> the preasure due to increased temp) that it is collected in the recovery
> resevoir.
Yes.
> How does it get back into the system? Is the partial vacuum
> created as the car cools back down again responsible for sucking it back in?
Yes.
> How can it do that if the radiator cap is sealing properly? I guess the
> radiator cap is really a two way valve? (YES/NO?)
Yes. The Cap is rated at some pressure, usually around 15 lbs, above
which coolant bleeds out to the over flow tank. When the car cools and
the vacuum is created a second valve opens, usually at a slight vacuum,
and sucks coolant from the resevoir.
>
> Are there generic recovery systems that I can buy at my local parts store
> and install on my B? Didn't latter Bs have such a system (mine is a '63)?
I've seen beer cans and 2 liter soda bottles used. Just make sure the hose goes
to the bottom or you'll suck air in.
>
> I am toying with the idea as "Old Whitesides" seems to want to burp up a few
> mls of coolant now and again and I'm topping it off about once a month now.
> Am I being too fussy (say it ain't so!)? Members of my local car-guy
> support group tell me to just let it "find its own level." Sounds sort of
> zen to me but I think I know what they mean. Not a big deal really; not a
> lot of coolant and the car doesn't run hot so much as it seems to park hot
> (if you know what I mean). That is: the car runs on urban interstate rush
> hours at about 190F. It will creep up if there is a traffic jam (which
> there almost always is on my city's highly efficient system of trafficways).
> Shut off the engine and then sometimes it heats up to over 212F and pushes
> out some coolant. What are other folks experiences out there?
>
The EPA will ove you if you add one or switch to an environmentally
friendly coolant. Your car will love it too. You will be eliminating
the air in the system you'll have less corrosion, The Coolant will stay
green (or what ever color it started out as) longer.
> What about installing a "summer" thermostat too (160F)? At present the car
> has a 180F thermostat. Water wetter?
No experience here.
- -Mark = =o&o
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