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1971-1974 Javelin Coolant Overflow Addition

Printed From: TheAMCForum.com
Category: The Garage
Forum Name: AMC V8 Engine Repair and Modifications
Forum Description: AMC-made V8 engine mechanical, ignition and fuel from basic repair to high-perf modifications
URL: https://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=92574
Printed Date: Apr/19/2024 at 10:53pm
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Topic: 1971-1974 Javelin Coolant Overflow Addition
Posted By: JeeperJolene
Subject: 1971-1974 Javelin Coolant Overflow Addition
Date Posted: Feb/17/2018 at 2:45pm
I'm in the middle of troubleshooting coolant leaks on the 360 in my Javelin and figured it would be super helpful to add an overflow bottle so that I can see how much coolant I have while the engine is hot. I was looking around and found this guy:

http://www.shopmoroso.com/eb/catalog/navigationPath//%7B28710%7D::Universal%20Catch,%20Overflow,%20Recovery%20Tank.html?entryId=catalog.productgroup.&expand=true&menuId=main.menu

Obviously that will take some custom mounting work. Has anyone added a coolant reservoir to a second generation Javelin? Mind sharing what you did? I tried searching the forum and didn't have too much luck.



Replies:
Posted By: mstrcrftr
Date Posted: Feb/17/2018 at 3:38pm
I also attempted to find one that would fit in the car.  not very many out there.  fortunately for me i had moved the battery to the trunk and could use that space.  I did find one but cant remember where anymore.  good luck 


Posted By: 304-dude
Date Posted: Feb/17/2018 at 4:01pm
I am using a Honda CRV tank, though you need to either remove the radiator top baffle or modify it. Since I will be using an aftermarket radiator, the baffle is not needed, and may make a custom cover plate if i need to.

The only issue is making a custom clip holder to mount, as it uses a slide clip to be held in place.

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71 Javelin SST body
390 69 crank, 70 block & heads
NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons
78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low
50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension
79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles
Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker


Posted By: Dave Z
Date Posted: Feb/18/2018 at 6:50am
That's a nice tank. I used one like this on my son's 72 Javelin
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Polished-Radiator-Coolant-Overflow-Expansion-Tank-3-x-10-In-,2953.html
There's plenty of room in front of the radiator support if you can't fit the overflow in the engine compartment.
I can't see any reason why height is critical or distance from the radiator either. Just as long as it's accessible. Not that you'd want to, but you could put it in the trunk and it would work.

Dave Z


Posted By: JeeperJolene
Date Posted: Feb/18/2018 at 7:09pm
Actually the space in front would be ideal. Now I just have to find someone who will make me a custom mounting bracket.


Posted By: Red Devil
Date Posted: Feb/18/2018 at 9:36pm
I added an 80 Concord or Spirit overflow tank to my '74 Javelin.   Moved the stock washer fluid reservoir rearward to fit. Needed spacers to fit right, but otherwise looks stock and has an AMC logo. 

Hope this helps,RD


Posted By: Red20
Date Posted: Feb/18/2018 at 10:51pm
I’m sure if you’re anywhere near anyone on the forum with the skills, any number of us could help you fabricate a bracket.

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1969 Javelin SST "Screamin' Banana" - Totaled Feb 2018
1973 Hornet Sportabout X "yellajack" - 360/727/TracLoc DAILY DRIVER


Posted By: Ralph G.
Date Posted: Feb/19/2018 at 8:40am
I bought a complete kit at a local auto parts store (Advance, I think) for my '68 AMX. I mounted it in front of the core support using one of the existing holes, drilled 1 more. I also painted the reservoir flat black to hide it behind the grille. Works fine.


Posted By: mrblatzman
Date Posted: Feb/19/2018 at 8:52am
In the past I have used the washer bottle as a coolant overflow...Things look fairly original that way, no extra holes to add and can be put back very easily...I didn't use the washers that much anyway, and left all of the other washer related parts in place...Bob in Alabama

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Thankyou....Bob


Posted By: billd
Date Posted: Feb/19/2018 at 10:19am
I plan on adding the coolant recovery tank to my 73 as well. It's a lot better if you plan on running it on a track or not messing up the garage floor anyway, IMO - and frankly, there's another reason - NOT AS MUCH OXYGEN gets into the cooling system. 
Yeah, that coolant recovery tank if properly done with correct cap and all will keep air out of the cooling system (save for the oxygen that gets dissolved in the fluid anyway) and the cooling system and coolant can last longer.

Here's what I did on my Eagle - GET CREATIVE.  (Question for the crowd here - I FORGOT TO WRITE DOWN what this tank came from in case I ever need to replace it - if anyone here recognizes the coolant tank I used in this photo, PLEASE let me know! I keep a book on all of the stuff I've done, replacement part numbers and so on "just in case" but screwed up big time and failed to not what the heck this coolant bottle was from!!)

First, I moved my windshield washer tank back as far as I could - and in iowa washers are a must have no matter the season - 





Get creative -  I realize we are talking two totally totally different cars, but each has their own challenge. Mine was, well, it's really crowded with an Eagle - the extra vacuum cans for the heater/AC and the drive train system. Even the brake cylinder is a tight fit, there's a hydraulic clutch master cylinder in there as well as exhaust, fuel feed and return and front differential vent hose comes clear up along the shock tower area. I had to really think on this one - if I can master this on an Eagle, YOU can do it on a Javelin. 
And I will be doing this on MY own 73 Javelin as I really believe in coolant recovery systems for multiple reasons, not the least of which is life of the coolant and cooling system. Oxygen in the coolant is not your friend, and neither is ethylene glycol on the garage floor. (especially if you have a dog)



And here is my coolant recovery tank - it snaps into a bracket and to remove the tank should I ever need to I unplug the AC lower pressure switch wire, remove the coolant tank cap and pull the tank straight up out of the bracket. Simple.
Also note the shape is as if it was made for this car - with clearance for the AC line and the AC switch wiring along the side. 











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Posted By: 304-dude
Date Posted: Feb/20/2018 at 7:38am
If you have scrap sheet metal, just use a beer or soda carton cutout template to assist in making your own bracket.

Mine is almost done, just needs to trimming and smoothing of the channel slot for hold down. Will use textured rubberised paint to coat it well, and to blend in the imperfections. Most all of the bracket is hidden so any paint can be used.

The bracket is setup to mount at the opening for the head lamp wire harness. It will allow the cap and elbow to be raised evenly to the radiator overflow fitting, so a direct connection can be used with a small hose.






-------------
71 Javelin SST body
390 69 crank, 70 block & heads
NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons
78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low
50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension
79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles
Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker


Posted By: 304-dude
Date Posted: Apr/03/2018 at 7:15pm
Almost forgot... well I did, but was cleaning put some pix, and found some that I forgot to add.

Here is how things look mounted... I created a custom bracket to move the washer tank out away from the fender, much easier to remove cap and fill.

Oh the washer bottle is like OEM (pre 76 style or so), aftermarket, with a GM type cap. Looks like my 71 bottle without the AMC molded logo on the front.





-------------
71 Javelin SST body
390 69 crank, 70 block & heads
NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons
78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low
50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension
79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles
Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker


Posted By: Red20
Date Posted: Apr/03/2018 at 7:21pm
That looks pretty good, 304-dude. I just got one of the cheapie EBay washer reservoirs w/pump. It’s not beautiful, but it fit nicely behind the driver headlight area in the ‘69 Javelin and works just fine.

-------------
1969 Javelin SST "Screamin' Banana" - Totaled Feb 2018
1973 Hornet Sportabout X "yellajack" - 360/727/TracLoc DAILY DRIVER


Posted By: 304-dude
Date Posted: Apr/03/2018 at 8:02pm
Originally posted by Red20 Red20 wrote:

That looks pretty good, 304-dude. I just got one of the cheapie EBay washer reservoirs w/pump. It’s not beautiful, but it fit nicely behind the driver headlight area in the ‘69 Javelin and works just fine.


Thank you!

Well, most tanks can be done in various ways, they come in various styles.

Since this thread was on an option for coolant recovery, i wanted to show that the recovery bottle chosen can fit with a stock washer bottle in its normal location.

Once I complete my power steering / hydroboost combo setup, the bottles shown will maximise space for the remote power steering reservoir, and all my changes inside the engine bay.








-------------
71 Javelin SST body
390 69 crank, 70 block & heads
NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons
78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low
50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension
79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles
Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker



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