[C320-list] Coolant Levels

[Jeffrey Brown]

Thanks Warren. I see how it can expand and flow downhill into the overflow but not the reverse. I guess it creates suction when cooling and perhaps that's how it sucks it back in. 

Jeff Brown
949-350-5123

On Jul 9, 2013, at 1:25 PM, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Jeff, the hose from the heat exchanger cap should be attached to the bottom
> of the overflow bottle. As the engine heats up, the coolant expands, pushes
> past the spring loaded cap, through the hose and into the bottle.  As it
> cools, the opposite occurs. At least that's how I understand it; and, how it
> seems to work on our boat.
> 
> Warren & Pattie Updike
> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeffrey Brown [mailto:oceanblues at mac.com] 
> Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 12:36 PM
> To: Catalina C320 List
> Subject: [C320-list] Coolant Levels
> 
> My coolant overflow has been bone dry for years. I noticed the overflow
> container is below the heat exchange opening where the tube runs from just
> under the cap to the overflow. Even if I fill the overflow to the minimum
> level as indicated I don't see how it would flow back into the heat
> exchanger. I always thought is was just used in a case you had too much
> coolant in the system. Does that make any sense?  I can fill the overflow to
> the minimum but it doesn't appear it will provide anything. I always just
> make sure the coolant level is visable when you open the cap while cold. All
> input is appreciated. 
> 
> Jeff Brown
> 949-350-5123
>