Radiator overflow

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 5:46 pm

The factory version dumps radiator overflow onto the ground via a pipe/hose
connected to the cap neck.

What is everyone doing to avoid this as it is environmentally unfriendly
and deadly to family pets and what is acceptable to the restoration gurus?

Post by **wesk** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 7:39 pm

You clamp a catch bottle to the end of the hose then remove it at shows. You will need to vent the bottle and monitor it. Or you can add an aftermarket overflow return kit in a manner that makes it's temporary removal simple for a vehicle show.

These modern "Let Uncle Protect Us" laws can get rediculous! I ran an unbridled radiator overflow tube on at least 25 vehicles I owned from 1959 through about yesterday, when no bridle was required. Never killed a pet!

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 7:48 pm

Thanks Wes.

Understand about the proliferation of protect us from ourselves
laws, but antifreeze is deadly to animals and even a small
amount does irrepairable kidney damage. Unfortunately the fluid
is also apparently sweet and somewhat palatable and dogs will
lick it if given the opportunity.

Just a caution to pet folks out there.

Thanks again Wes.

Post by **wesk** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 8:02 pm

I, like most of us am very aware of the hazards of all the fluids we use in our hobby. We don't need uncle to care for us. We need to raise our offspring to be aware of their environment, educate themselves and act responsibly. On my small ranch I have 4 dogs, 3 cats and 5 horses and I am mature, educated and intelligent enough to care for them. I also have 6 grandchildren and trust me when I say those small guys will get down on the floor and lick antifreeze up with the same result. My Dad taught me the hazards of anti-freeze back in 1955. I taught my kids in the 70's and they taught theirs in the 00's. No uncle needed here.

ChuckW · Post by **ChuckW** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:11 pm

From the Houston SPCA:
"To lower the risk to animals, you can switch to a brand of antifreeze containing propylene glycol, a chemical ingredient that is less toxic than ethylene glycol. In addition to being safer, propylene glycol has a bitter taste that makes it less attractive to curious animals. Although it’s safer than ethylene glycol antifreeze, propylene glycol antifreeze is still toxic. To reduce the risk of poisoning, all brands of antifreeze should be handled carefully and treated as a highly poisonous substance."

Try a brand like this:
http://www.peakauto.com/products/antifr ... ve/sierra/

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 7:55 am

One of the things I did to my M38 and M38A1 is to have both radiators hot tanked and pressure checked and bought new radiator caps of the proper rating for both. I've never seen any coolant dripping from either rad. Oil drips, yes - no coolant leaks.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:41 am

In the neck below where the cap screws on is a small pipe.
Originally this pipe ran to the right side and down towards the
ground and was there if the fluid got hot and expanded and
overflowed the radiator.

In the sixties manufacturers began installing an overflow tank
usually plastic to catch the fluid.

Today's sealed systems still have an overflow tank but theoretically
as the fluid cools the level in the tank would equalize back to
the radiator with no actual loss of fluid.

Back in the day with overboard overflow it was another critical
check to make sure the radiator was at the proper level
before starting. Today no one opens their radiator cap.
Probably because most people don't even know what it is!

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 9:03 am

You can see the overflow line to the left of the radiator cap
in this photo:

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _photo.php

maeserik · Post by **maeserik** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 3:03 am

My solution :

a part from an old nissan Sunny with a connection on the bottum.
The radiator is Always full with cooling fluid, the level in the tank is low when cold, high when the engine is warm. No coolingfluid drips anymore and always a quick levelcheck.

gr Erik

my m38 restored in 2005 - 2006 and no problems since then !

Hawkshadow · Post by **Hawkshadow** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 10:09 am

Great idea!

Post by **wesk** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 10:15 am

The plastic bottle may not fit as well if the original larger battery box is installed with the battery.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 1:28 pm

The bracket left of the battery mtd to the fender is one I have not seen.. what gives?

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 3:30 pm

skyjeep50 wrote:One of the things I did to my M38 and M38A1 is to have both radiators hot tanked and pressure checked and bought new radiator caps of the proper rating for both. I've never seen any coolant dripping from either rad. Oil drips, yes - no coolant leaks.

UMM-HMMM

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 3:54 pm

Yep,
That's the problem I have. Bubba cut off the original box but left the tray, then built a new battery box out of what, 12 gauge or something?

No room over there, so he ran the line across the top of the radiator and an old Zerex bottle sits between the rad and fender.

Real sharp, that dude.

heck, if I ever get that replacement box off I can probably use it for a stand to sit the jeep on it's so stout.

Anyway, that was why I was asking. To see what everyone else was doing.

I like Erik's idea.

ChuckW · Post by **ChuckW** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 9:14 pm

The bracket left of the battery mtd to the fender is one I have not seen.. what gives?

That looks like an MB/GPW fender and that bracket would be for the back of the headlight mount.