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I am in my Mustang restoration process and may be a new cooling system reservoir is needed, actual is a plastic, generic one.

My first thought was install a SS or aluminum cylinder but I am thinking in not install it.

I understand that reservoir is needed to allow coolant expansion and I made calculation for volume at 80°F and at 200°F to know how much will increase.
Using 50% Ethylene Glycol solution specific gravity at 80°F = 1.077 and at 200°F = 1.038
Total solution in system 16 quarts = 15 lt
1 gallon (3.78 lt) of Ethylene Glycol weights 9.46 lb = 4.3 kg
Density = 4.3/3.78 = 1.13 kg/lt
Mass = 1.13 * 15 = 16.95 kg
Volume at 80°F = 16.95 / 1.077 = 15.73 lt
Volume at 200°F = 16.95 / 1.038 = 16.32 lt
Volume increase = 16.32 – 15.73 = 0.59 lt

Radiator is not stock, measures are 60 x 6 cm, if I left 2 inches (5 cm) below cap empty,
Volume empty = 0.06 * 0.05 *0.6 = 1.8 lt


So I have enough space.

Am I correct?
What do you think?
Might be overthinking the situation. Looking at your numbers it makes no sense why any coolant would come out of the overflow. I would say on my daily driver F150, on a hot day the coolant in the reservoir bottle goes up and down by about 1 qt. as the engine warms and cools. If you install a recovery bottle, since the bottles are vented, keep in mind the bottle needs to be large enough so coolant doesn't splash out of the vent when driving.

Regards,
Mike
For someone who put that much thought into overflow capacity you have just got to edit your signature and make the 350C (I think) a positive 351 C!

I am not a fan of the aftermarket generic plastic at all, not would I really want the bling of brushed aluminum nor stainless. How about using an aluminum and painting it black to blend in with the rest of the underhood items?
I just leave mine a bit above the core about a 1& 1/2 " below the opening. If you don't have any leaks it should stay the correct level all the time. If you put to much in it will push the excess out when you drive it then level out to where it won't lose any more. Might change slightly with the different seasons.
Good point, I was thinking to leave about 2 inches below opening and test , I left the reservoir connected to avoid spilling and see what happens.

I am concern about rust development in air gap, will this happens?

Best regards
Mario
Thanks Steven, may be I will change mi signature, thing is that I am not mechanic and have no clue to know if is 351 or something else, I will take pictures and post them.

Installing aluminum can seams a good idea, black paint will be good match, thing is that I am using plastic one to test my theory.

For these calculation may be I have too much free time. Also I am doing some numbers about Ram Air System, I will post them as soon I finish.

Best Regards
Mario
I made my own reservoir out of a big plastic thermal coffee cup! I painted it black, zip-tied it very stealthily behind the driver's headlight, inside the bucket.
Has never given me an issue in 10 years! Never notice it unless you are looking for it.
Great idea Kit!, could you share a picture of it? please.

Best regards
Mario
The 71 had a cooling system reservoir? Mine doesnt and as was mentioned, if the level is filled to the line on the radiator ( 1" or so down ) with no leaks, the fluid level is always about the same.
Previous owner of mine installed a plastic one, and I am thinking in remove it, do what you have.

Good to know, thanks.

Best regards
Mario
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