Moparts
Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank
Posted By: YO7_A66
Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/02/14 04:01 PM
I am looking at adding a coolant recovery tank on my 70 Challenger. I have been looking at what is available through Dorman and I found their universal unit (603-001) and I also came across #603-121 (1992-2002 Saturn) pictured. So far I like it better because it looks smaller and I could mount it in front of the radiator support which might hide it a litter better.
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-44832-603-121.aspx I am looking for other ideas on what style/part number of unit and where did you mount yours on the older cars.
Thanks
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/02/14 04:45 PM
Quote:
I am looking at adding a coolant recovery tank on my 70 Challenger. I have been looking at what is available through Dorman and I found their universal unit (603-001) and I also came across #603-121 (1992-2002 Saturn) pictured. So far I like it better because it looks smaller and I could mount it in front of the radiator support which might hide it a litter better.
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-44832-603-121.aspx
I am looking for other ideas on what style/part number of unit and where did you mount yours on the older cars.
Thanks
I used a 73-74 repo and bracket for my 74, it'll fit all other E body's also.
Posted By: floridian
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/02/14 04:58 PM
I use one I bought at either Summit or Jegs... Believe it was a "hot rod" universal style that I mounted in front of the radiator, behind the headlights.. using existing holes... there were LOTS of different styles and sizes if I remember, been a while ...
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/02/14 05:34 PM
I would have "guessed" that the Challenger recovery tanks were on the passenger side from the factory. Thanks for posting that picture!!
My 70 has the overflow nipple on the passenger side, so I am trying to find something to fit it.
Thanks for the replies.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/02/14 06:45 PM
I found this one too. Dornman 603-424.
Posted By: terzmo
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/02/14 06:57 PM
I use a 3 inch diameter by 13 long stainless steel tank mounted on backside/driver rad support...shiny..looks great...I hate that crappy plastic stock looking one
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/02/14 08:00 PM
Dornman 603-703.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/02/14 08:18 PM
The above 603-703 might be able to mount in between the grill and the radiator supper (opposite to the windshield washer bottle) in the corner. I need to keep the height of the reservoir (middle) at the height of the coolant in the radiator. This means that a flat reservoir may need to be used in this area.
Posted By: solarguy
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 02:18 PM
If you don't use the windshield washer, I've seen people use a manual pump reservoir as an overflow tank. The hose goes in the bottom.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 02:43 PM
I have read about people doing that too but the pop-off cap scares me. I don't use that reservoir and it is setting right where I need the overflow tank too.
I was thinking about converting it or taking it out and mounting a new overflow in its place.
EDIT:
It appears that the wiper reservoir may be sitting too low versus where the top of the coolant is in the radiator.
Thanks for the reply!
Posted By: jlatessa
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 03:08 PM
I don't think it matters if the overflow tank is lower than the rad. level.
Since the system is essentially a sealed unit, it is going to work properly because the rad. fills and takes back from the bottom of the overflow reservoir.
You do need a cap for that purpose, though.
Joe
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 03:25 PM
I was actually looking at the non-sealed units and I am running into issues with the mounting height.
It appears that I should be looking only at the sealed units with the tube at the bottom and then like you said, I could then mount it where needed. This would help a bunch finding a place to mount the new reservoir.
Thanks for your reply!!!!
Posted By: Steve Bryant
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 03:44 PM
Here is a photo of a factory overflow for a '73 (I think) that I put into my '70 Barracuda. These will fit perfectly in your Challenger and were stock for the later E-Bodys.
YearOne makes repros that also look great. The bottle with the top and hoses will run you $60-80 and the bracket that bolts to the radiator and battery tray will cost you between $80-150. I got my bracket on Ebay.
I personally prefer this as it maintains the factory look even though they weren't available on your or my car originally.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 04:07 PM
I like the 73-74 units but after buying the reservoir and the bracket, the cost would be more than I am willing to pay. Plus the overflow nipple on my current radiator exits out on the passenger side of the radiator. Thanks for the picture.
I am now leaning towards the Dorman 603-121 "pressurized" unit. I should be able to mount it to the front of the radiator support beside where my current overflow hose is routed. This would keep it out of the way and I would not have to remove my existing windshield washer reservoir.
Would I need a specific radiator cap with this pressurized tank or can I keep my existing radiator cap that was used with the overflow hose (stock 16lb unit)?
Posted By: second 70
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 06:14 PM
I used the wiper tank on my hemi cuda and it works great. No one even knows it's being used for the overflow. The trick is you put the overflow hose on the bottom but you MUST drill an air hole in the the back of the wiper tank otherwise it will air lock. I drilled a 1/4 hole in the rear corner where it's under the hood pin mount so you can't tell it's there. No problems in 5 years of use even in 100 degree weather. You only need about 2" of coolant in the tank when cold and mine's about 3/4 full hot. Has never blown top off or overflowed. Good luck. Mike
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 07:00 PM
Mike,
Do you run the stock radiator cap?
Thanks
Posted By: Cab_Burge
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 07:27 PM
You need the correct radiator cap that has the little flapper valve on the bottom that will allow coolant to be sucked back into the radiator as it cools down
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 07:28 PM
Yes I have run the stock caps with a over flow tank. All the ones I have had, have poppet to allow flow back into the radiator. I also have ran and currently am running a Delco RC-27 cap which is 15lb cap and has performed fine in Vegas and Reno during 110° weather for like 4 years now.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 07:59 PM
I found the Stant #10331 Lev-R-Vent 16lb cap and the OE #10231 16lb cap that I have.
Is the Lev-R-Vent the cap that I need to make this swap?
Note: I checked the Stant master catalog and the above are the only two 16lb cap part numbers. There are also two 13lb caps too that match the above descriptions too.
Thanks
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 08:07 PM
Quote:
I found the Stant #10331 Lev-R-Vent 16lb cap and the OE #10231 16lb cap that I have.
Is the Lev-R-Vent the cap that I need to make this swap?
Thanks
Can't really tell until we see the bottom, but I'm betting yes it would work fine. But I'm not a fan of those red levers to relive pressure. Summit had those RC-27 for 15 bucks and is the only reason I bought them from summit was convenience one day after the gasket cracked and came off my stock cap, or what I think was stock?
Posted By: second 70
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 08:07 PM
Yes as far as I know. 18lbs #52027793 Looks like the ones in challenger's pictures.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 08:29 PM
I bought the Stant #10231 radiator cap yesterday. The description shows:
""Designed to function on open cooling systems and overflow reservoir type systems".
It looks to be a dual purpose cap.
www.sportinggoodsoutdoor.com/p/detail/B000B8N3GE/Stant-10231-Radiator-Cap-16-PSI-Vented.html
Posted By: second 70
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 08:30 PM
Quote:
Mike,
Do you run the stock radiator cap?
Thanks
O'reilly 7616 $4.99
Posted By: second 70
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 08:34 PM
Quote:
I bought the Stant #10231 radiator cap yesterday. The description shows:
""Designed to function on open cooling systems and overflow reservoir type systems".
It looks to be a dual purpose cap.
www.sportinggoodsoutdoor.com/p/detail/B000B8N3GE/Stant-10231-Radiator-Cap-16-PSI-Vented.html
Should work I used the other just to look more stock.
Posted By: azmopar
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 08:43 PM
Quote:
Dornman 603-703.
IF youre using this one I have one 
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 08:46 PM
Can you show us pictures of where you mounted it?
Thanks
Posted By: azmopar
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 08:46 PM
Quote:
Can you show us pictures of where you mounted it?
Thanks
im not using one I just happen to have one here at work lol
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/03/14 09:07 PM
Got it.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/04/14 01:11 PM
""I used the wiper tank on my hemi cuda and it works great.""
I removed my washer tank last night and cleaned it out while I inspected the condition. It appears to be the original tank and I am very suspicious of the fitting on the bottom side holding any type of fluid. If it was newer, I would look into reusing it as a coolant recovery tank, but in it's current condition I would be worried about it holding fluid. Thank you Mike for posting the details on converting it over!!
I think that I am going to purchase the dorman 603-121 pressurized recovery tank and then determine the best mounting location once I have it in hand. I will probably mount it in front of the radiator support on the passenger side (more hidden) or just mount it to the passenger side frame rail under the two horns depending on the actual size of the unit.
Thanks again for all of the replies.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/07/14 03:50 AM
I installed the above 603-121 pressurized tank with the Stant radiator cap. I modified the lower return opening by removing the brass sleeve and tapping the hole for a 3/8npt bushing. I added sealant to the threads and then screwed in a 1/4npt (w/sealant) with a barb fitting. The existing overflow hose was cut to length and then I added an overflow hose to the upper portion of the tank. I used the existing horn mounting bolt so no holes were added to the inner fender. I will add coolant in the tank tomorrow and test drive it for leaks.
Thanks for the replies!!
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/07/14 03:51 AM
another
Posted By: BDW
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/07/14 01:13 PM
What kind of radiator is that, I'd like to do similar, but the nipple on my radiator exits on the driver's side.
Like the idea of putting something over by the horns, plenty of room.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/07/14 02:30 PM
I got lucky with the radiator as it came with the car when I bought it. It is a "927" unit:
""Large 26" Radiator core from a Mopar B-Body Road Runner, Charger or Super Bee with a 340 or 318 with A/C. This has the integral transmission cooler, but was used for both manual and automatic cars. Chrysler part no. 3673927.""
Posted By: Scott Carl
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/07/14 05:31 PM
Quote:
Quote:
I am looking at adding a coolant recovery tank on my 70 Challenger. I have been looking at what is available through Dorman and I found their universal unit (603-001) and I also came across #603-121 (1992-2002 Saturn) pictured. So far I like it better because it looks smaller and I could mount it in front of the radiator support which might hide it a litter better.
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-44832-603-121.aspx
I am looking for other ideas on what style/part number of unit and where did you mount yours on the older cars.
Thanks
I used a 73-74 repo and bracket for my 74, it'll fit all other E body's also.
Sorry for the late response, but as I have a 74, this idea was what I was thinking when I read the OP. Its stock albeit not correct. However if you're adding it, year correctness isn't an apparent concern 
Scott
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/07/14 06:09 PM
Check this out...
web page It looks like your tank is a little low if it's a pressurized tank. And a pressurized tank is supposed to used to fill the radiator because it usually mounted higher than the top of the radiator. And it usually has a larger hose that comes of it to fill the radiator. (I'd tee off a heater hose possibly if I were to install a pressurized over flow tank in our old cars). Good luck with yours. Does it have a hose inside that goes to the bottom is it's not pressurized and vented?
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/07/14 10:12 PM
It appears that I had my terminoly wrong. I am aiming for the Zero Pressure setup:
""The ZERO PRESSURE tank will recover the expanded coolant as it increases in pressure. Once the pressure exceeds 15 PSI the big spring on the radiator cap will be overcome by the pressure and allow some small amounts of coolant to dump to the ZERO PRESSURE tank. Later, when the coolant cools off inside the engine it will create a vacuum as the coolant changes to its normal unexpanded size. A small vent in the radiator cap will now open and draw the coolant back into the radiator so the cycle can start over again in the next driving event""
Thanks for the reply.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/28/14 02:52 AM
I have been driving with the recovery tank in place and I have a quick question.
Do I keep filling the recovery tank when the level drops to the bottom?
I have now added coolant to the recovery tank three times now since the install and after my drive today, the fluid was down at the bottom of the tank again after the engine cooled. It is not leaking and my oil level is correct. It just seems that it is pulling in more coolant into the radiator than I would have thought.
Thanks
Posted By: mikemee1331
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/28/14 03:16 AM
Quote:
I have been driving with the recovery tank in place and I have a quick question.
Do I keep filling the recovery tank when the level drops to the bottom?
I have now added coolant to the recovery tank three times now since the install and after my drive today, the fluid was down at the bottom of the tank again after the engine cooled. It is not leaking and my oil level is correct. It just seems that it is pulling in more coolant into the radiator than I would have thought.
Thanks
stupid return question - are you using the right radiator cap with this type of recovery system? it's not the standard non-recovery cap that would have been used. it's supposed to have some sort of a 'weep' hole for the system to pull back the fluid but where else could it have gone unless it is evaporating?? also, in the recovery can cap tight? I know on my kids Sunfire if the recovery cap is at all loose the fluid disappears!
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/28/14 05:02 AM
Correct cap and tank cap is tight.
Thanks
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/28/14 04:47 PM
Before I drove the car this morning, I removed the radiator cap to find the level AT THE TOP. Now I know it is full so I filled up the recovery tank about 3/4 up. After a long drive the tank was still at the same level. After a few hours of cool down time, the level was about an inch lower so I am hoping that the system is now full.
I am surprised how much more coolant a 26" radiator will hold once the overflow hose is connected to a reservoir tank. At least another gallon of water/coolant.
Posted By: Steve Bryant
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/29/14 01:51 PM
Yeah, I noticed that with my E-Body as well. With mine, the fluid level does not change much in the overflow...perhaps an inch or so after the initial equalization.
However, then the car is pretty hot and I stop somewhere it still overflows just a little onto the ground. Now that it is cooling off, I expect that behavior to stop.
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/29/14 04:09 PM
I question if your using the correct style tank, per my link above. That style tank must be mounted above the radiator and is designed to be used as fill for a radiator. That style won't work correctly down low with our radiators that are designed to be filled through the radiator cap.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/29/14 04:44 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I am looking at adding a coolant recovery tank on my 70 Challenger. I have been looking at what is available through Dorman and I found their universal unit (603-001) and I also came across #603-121 (1992-2002 Saturn) pictured. So far I like it better because it looks smaller and I could mount it in front of the radiator support which might hide it a litter better.
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-44832-603-121.aspx
I am looking for other ideas on what style/part number of unit and where did you mount yours on the older cars.
Thanks
I used a 73-74 repo and bracket for my 74, it'll fit all other E body's also.
Sorry for the late response, but as I have a 74, this idea was what I was thinking when I read the OP. Its stock albeit not correct. However if you're adding it, year correctness isn't an apparent concern
Scott
I have that same bottle on my 73 wagon. However, I have it mounted on the passenger side.
Posted By: G_bob
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/30/14 06:41 AM
I have a 74 and am not worried about originality. I just got a rectangular generic bottle and mounted it up inside the driver side fenderwell. Ran the hose stockish along the radiator top, then down through the radiator support. Nobody has ever noticed that it has an overflow bottle.
Posted By: YO7_A66
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 09/30/14 02:55 PM
""I question if your using the correct style tank, per my link above. That style tank must be mounted above the radiator and is designed to be used as fill for a radiator. That style won't work correctly down low with our radiators that are designed to be filled through the radiator cap.""
I used the Dorman 603-121 which is called a "Pressurized Coolant Reservoir". The tank is mounted lower than the top of the radiator and the fluid moves back and forth with no problems.
After my last drive, the coolant reservoir once again went dry. This is the fourth time that I have added coolant to the reservoir and the radiator sucked it in. I must have had a decent size air bubble in the system.
Thanks for the replies. I am going to keep adding coolant to the reservoir until the level stays within the height of the reservoir after a full driving and cool down cycle.
Posted By: tman
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 04/25/15 10:56 PM
I used the wiper tank on my hemi cuda and it works great. No one even knows it's being used for the overflow. The trick is you put the overflow hose on the bottom but you MUST drill an air hole in the the back of the wiper tank otherwise it will air lock. I drilled a 1/4 hole in the rear corner where it's under the hood pin mount so you can't tell it's there. No problems in 5 years of use even in 100 degree weather. You only need about 2" of coolant in the tank when cold and mine's about 3/4 full hot. Has never blown top off or overflowed. Good luck. Mike
I too would like to use your method of using the wiper tank for my 70 Cuda. Can you give some detail as to how you did that?
Did you use the Manual wiper tank with nipple at the bottom, or did you have to modify it? I don't know if the overflow hose will fit that nipple. I currently have an electric wiper tank.
My radiator overflow hose points out to driver side, how did you route your hose to the wiper tank?
I totally understand drilling the tank so vacuum will allow coolant to flow back to radiator.
Hope you see this and THANKS.
Posted By: AndyF
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 04/26/15 01:00 AM
I picked up a recovery bottle from a 2000 Toyota 4Runner. It is a nice square shape that will fit next to the radiator on my '65 Coronet.
Adding a coolant recovery setup like this is a good deal on the older cars since it allows you to run the radiator full of coolant. The extra coolant adds some thermal capacity to the system.
Posted By: tman
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 04/26/15 05:31 AM
Trying to keep my car stock looking by using the wiper tank. Just need specific info how its done. Thanks for your solution.
Posted By: tman
Re: Radiator Coolant Recovery Tank - 05/31/15 09:08 AM
Took a chance and purchased s Repro manual wiper tank. The 5/16 overflow hose will attach to the nipple at the bottom. Just put on a 3/8 spring clamp to secure the hose. My overflow hose exits out towards the driver side. So I purchased a bulk length of 5/16 overflow hose. The hose exits as it normally does, but I had the hose routed below the radiator towards the wiper tank. The overflow hose will lay on the radiator support. Very simple.
I then drilled a hole near the top of the tank that is hidden from view. The hole is just large enough so I could press in overflow hose so if it gets overfilled, it will vent to the ground.
Also purchased a radiator cap that is vented. The overflow did go into the tank and when the engine cooled, the coolant went back in to the radiator.