Chris,
Sounds like your pressure cap isn't seating or holding any pressure at all.
You probably have a cap that isn't deep enough to seat on the filler neck
flange. Most commonly available caps have a 3/4" deep seating, while the
Healey radiator neck is 1" deep. When things warm up and there is pressure
build up in the cooling system, the coolant is simply being allowed to rise
into the neck and escapes out the overflow. Install a new radiator cap with
a 7 lb. rating and a 1" deep spring seating and I think your problem will be
solved.
By the way, if you completely fill the radiator, the first time the system
comes up to full temperature and is shut off, there will be a bit of coolant
loss as it finds it's own level. After that, there should be no more loss.
Rich Chrysler
----- Original Message -----
From: "chris vickers" <chris.vickers@virgin.net>
To: <healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2007 5:41 AM
Subject: BN4 Radiator
>I recently jacked up the front of the car to do some work underneath.
> Whilst it was raised I thought to check on the water level in the
> radiator(
> which I do often these days since my experience with a leaking core
> plug!).
> The water level was way below what it should be. I could see at least the
> header tank was quite empty.
> But no sign of leakage anywhere on the floor.
> A couple of pints brought the water back to where it should be.
> When I subsequently lowered the car back and, and started the engine, I
> watched as a couple of pints of water came out of the radiator overflow
> and
> over the floor.
> When the panic had subsided I tried to think where the 'excess' water had
> been in the meantime.
> Only thought is the heater, which is currently turned off.
> But why should it then run back out again?
> Surely the radiator water level does not drop when a Healey goes up a
> steep
> hill!
> Anyone out there better at Healey hydraulics than I am?
> Chris Vickers
> Bemused BN4 restorer.
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