My '74 has the 2 litre engine. There is a small rubber hose that runs from just below the radiator cap down the side of the radiator tank (driver side). When the engine gets hot, the excess coolant drops to the ground and makes a mess. I could rig something to catch the coolant before it hits the ground, but I am a purist, and I like my cars the way they were born.
Was there a coolant recovery tank option?
I don't think so. All the Pinto's I have owned have the tube that drains on the ground.
If you overfill the radiator that will happen. It should only leak until it gets to the correct level. There are kits/bottles avalible from Summit and Jegs.
Om my circle track Pinto I drilled a hole in the washer tank and shoved the hose in there. You could do the same with another tank.
Purist or not, if you want to make your Pinto a little easier to keep track of and also give it a bit more capacity to deal with engine heat by completely filling the radiator instead of having it a quart or more low, you might want to add a coolant expansion tank and the appropriate type of radiator cap for it to be able to function.
Since the overflow/expansion/recovery systems purge all the air from your cooling system in normal operation, what you see in the expansion tank is easier and a more accurate way to check the coolant level. Plus you can observe the color and more easily notice accumulations of crud as the coolant deteriorates in the exterior tank, as they are usually translucent and the radiator isn't.
As originally equipped, the only way to check for "proper" coolant level is to open the radiator cap when the engine is stone cold, and looking to see if the coolant level is at some indeterminate level below the neck of the radiator. Checking the coolant level at any time when the car is not level will affect the radiators' apparent level, and give you a false idea of what is actually in there. Opening it to check the level any any other time at least runs the risk of losing coolant and of getting sprayed besides.
And then if you happen to actually LIKE cats and/or dogs and maybe have a pet (and most people do), there is the additional factor that antifreeze/coolant has a sweet odor that is attractive to them, they usually will drink it given the opportunity, and it is extremely poisonous to them, and can be fatal, especially with low body weight animals. Ask any veterinarian.
My 74 wagon has a plastic tank that the overflow will go in, it bolts on the passanger side on the back side of the radiator.
See ya
goodoldboysdws,
You are correct to point out the danger to small animals.
Farmboy,
Does your recovery tank look original? Can you post a picture? Is there a part number stamped on it?
Thank you.
It sure looks orginal to me, my car should be on the road this week with a fresh motor, I'll be heading up to Earthquakes in Preston, Wa. He will take a pic for me. I got a Digital cam but cant seem to get pics to load. I'll find the numbers tomorrow ;D
V6 had a overflow tank in 77-79 Pinto and Bobcat that might work for you it just bolted to the fender apron. Part# D7FZ8A080A or D9FZ8A080A. Check http://www.partsvoice.com/
I think there was also an add on accessory kit but I do not remember the number.
Dear billnall,
Thank you. It looks as though Green Sales has one of these in stock. I will call them.
You have helped me in the past with part numbers. I have now determined that the correct steering wheel for my car is part number D2FZ-3600(Letter). Can you tell me what that letter is for the AVOCADO green color? I thought it was a color that started in '73 (D3FX...), but it looks as though I was incorrect.
Part description is "Wheel Assembly 2 spoke with horn button"
Thank you.
First production date for green steering wheel 5/1/72 part# D2FZ3600S, or green leather D2FZ3600L.
Dear billnall
Thank you so much. I came up empty with partsvoice.com. I know that Green Sales does not have one. Any other ideas on where to find a N.O.S.?
Thank you.
Check with Pintony on this site.