My '78 Chrysler/Talbot Alpine has this system, but with a glass bottle. The
only problem I've ever had with it was when the valve in the lid of the
bottle failed. I discovered when checking the coolant level that the system
was remaining pressurised throughout the night.
One day I had just gone indoors after parking it when I heard this
kablaaaaaaaaam. Couldn't figure out what had happened until I saw a big
green puddle under the car. The arse had blown clean out of the bottle.
Fortunately Renault 12s (or is it the 16?) use the same bottle so getting a
replacement was easy.
Russ Maddock
Brisbane, Australia
-----Original Message-----
From: John Slade <edalsj(at)igs.net>
To: Colin Cobb <cobmeister(at)zianet.com>
Cc: Alpine List <alpines(at)autox.team.net>
Date: Thursday, 3 September 1998 9:43
Subject: Re: cooling probs
>Hi Colin,
>
>The problem with overflow bottles is that most are just that...they
>catch the overflow. However, there is a better solution, imho.
>
>In the 1960's, same era as most of our cars, certain Volvo models (6
>cyls and some 4's) carried a plastic bottle which appeared to be an
>overflow bottle, but was actually a functioning part of the cooling
>system (unlike 98% of similar looking bottles on other cars). The rad
>was sealed except for the "overflow pipe" which went from the top of the
>rad to the bottom of the bottle. The top of the bottle is flat and has a
>screw top...the same screw top that most rads have, so the rad cap goes
>there. As such, the water level in the system can be monitored by
>observing the level in the bottle. Once the system is set up, normal
>levels in the bottle are approx 1/4 full when cold, and 2/.3 or so full
>at operating temp. You must remember to replace the normal rad cap with
>one which seals tightly so that the pressure is controlled from the
>bottle.
>
>On first filling after installation, the system gets rid of all its air
>out through the bottle, and sucks good coolant back on the next cooling.
>You must consequently top up for a couple of cycles before stability is
>reached. When working correctly, it virtually guarantees a completely
>full cooling system.
>
>I have got a couple of these bottles from wreckers yards, and have used
>this system on a number of cars, and it worked every time. Latest was a
>36 Packard, with the added benefit that I can now lightly pressurize the
>system (4psi cap), and the car doesn't boil over any more on hot, slow
>days.
>
>Hope this is clear.
>
>John Slade
>Manotick, ON
>
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