VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Coolant Capacity

I've searched this forum until I'm blue in the face with every search term I can think of. What is the coolant capacity of a '31 chevrolet?

Thanks,
Brandon

Brandon,
1931 cooling system capacity is 11 1/2 quarts.

OK, thanks. I couldn't find that anywhere and I'm not at home to look it up in a book. I drained my radiator today to put antifreeze and water in and could only get it to hold 2 gallons. I assumed there was an air bubble but tried everything and still couldn't get it to hold over 2 gallons. It doesn't heat up, but then again it's pretty cool outside now. Anyway, thanks.

Brandon

You probably didn't get the engine block to drain....

The engine block in his 1931 doesn't have full-length water jackets or a drain plug.

Hi,
Another question on the 31 cooling system. Since replacing my 31 eagle radiator gap the cooling system leaks a fair amount from the radiator overflow, probably about a pint in the U.S. measuring system. Being in Tropical North Queensland it is coming into our summer where temps are reaching 28-35 deg celsius (80-87def F). I run a proper engine coolant. I don't think it has a thermostat fitted as there is a lot of flow in the top tank. A lot of people subscribe to the theory of not running a thermostat, but just to have a restriction to slow flow down. Any suggestions??
Cheers,
Alan.

Hi Alan,

Have you ever considered fitting an overflow tank. I put one in my 28 over 25 years ago and have never looked back. Never loose water, never use water. And as it becomes a low pressure sealed system, you can run the modern coolants that are normally not reccomended for un pressurised cooling systems.

Cheers

Ray

Coolant out the overflow is due to either overfilling the radiator or air entrainment. The coolant level cold should be only just above the core. Air can easily be sucked past the seals in the water pump. When heated the bubble get jymandous (really, really large) forcing out coolant. Most of the coolant will be lost when then engine speed is reduced, like at a stop sign. An overflow tank will help with both problems but is not a long term solution particularly for the air entrainment. The air reduces the heat transfer in the engine leading to damaged internal parts.

Thanks for the feedback. I was considering an overflow tank. I checked the ignition timing and it was out a little. I went on a club run today and Kevvy run beautifully, no loss of coolant and it was a hot day.
Cheers,
Alan

Retarded timing can cause overheating. Apparently that was part of the problem, maybe all the problem.

If you decide to use a coolant recovery tank, you might want to try using the kind sold for street rods. Mine works fine.
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