cooling system

[cowman2]

As a newbie i know you will be frustrated with this question, but to honest i still do not fully understand this pressurised cooling system on my Stag(1975 MK2).

I still suffer SP (Stag Paranoia) and check the coolant level before and after each run which is not much at the moment but try to start and run the engine each 7-14 days.

Ive noticed the overflow bottle is filling up and therefore when the top top is undone i need to fill with a small amount of fluid. Does this sound like i have a problem or am i being paranoid?

Should the top hose be full of coolant at all times or just when the engine is running.

Sorry for the dumb question but i will soon be embarking on a long trip away with an interstate Triumph Club and would like to reduce my paranoia.

Thanks, Glen.

[DJT]

imported post

No problem asking if you are not sure, mate.

The cooling system should be filled from the top of the radiator. Remove the pressure cap on the bottle and fill the rad until it starts to overflow into the bottle. Replace the pressure cap when the bottle is about 1/3 full, then continue to fill the radiator to the top of the neck. It helps if the NSF of the car is raised slightly and the heater is in the 'hot' position. Replace the radiator plug.

The bottle level should raise to about 2/3 when hot and return to 1/3 when cool. I found with both my Stags that the level settled out at bout 1" - 1.5"in the bottle when cool and I left it at that.

Dave

[V Mad]

imported post

As Dave says top up from the rad;the expansion bottle should not keep filling up andthe level will rise when hotbut should drop back again wheen cold.

If it keeps filling up you may have a small leak somewhere; the neck of the bottle must be airtight, but leaks here are not uncommon; try re-sealing the bottle neck.

[martin]

imported post

Make sure you have a 20lb pressure cap or some water may squeeze past it. Sometimes owners fit a Mk1 13lb cap by mistake. Martin.

[cowman2]

imported post

Thanks guys,

I have been topping up through the radiator without removing the expansion bottle cap. Hopefully this will solve the problem.

As a matter of course i will put a new 20lb cap on anyway as well.

Thanks, Glen.