Cooling System Questions

Chris Kouba

Supporter
I am getting closer to starting my motor and need to set up the cooling system. I have poked around for the proper way to do things and I know there must be a thread, but I couldn't find it (easily enough, at least). I have scoured a few build logs (Tom, Chuck) for pics of cooling systems but haven't found detailed info or pics.

The first of my questions is what comprises a proper cooling system on a 40?

I am thinking the answer is all the requisite gear to the rad and back as well as to the heater, but presumably somewhere in there also needs to be an expansion tank as well as an overflow/catch tank.

I am familiar with the components as generically used on "normal" installations and I can conceptually place or duplicate those components in the 40, but is there anything different needed? I was thinking of an expansion tank near the firewall (should be the highest thing in the system as well), a catch can conveniently located somewhere else with a feed in and out of the bottom, a small diameter vent line from the top of the rad running back to the expansion tank, am I missing anything else? Seems too simple... Thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Chris
 

Seymour Snerd

Lifetime Supporter
Here's one diagram; sorry I don't remember who the author is.

Cooling system diagram.jpg
 

Jack Houpe

GT40s Supporter
Actually I prefer to to a bypass thermostat (BMW) in front and do away with the block thermostat and the bypass normally on the stock water pump, then from the suction side of the pump take a small line (1/4 inch) to the fill tank which is at the highest place. This system was designed by Mike Trusty for me on other cars and I have never had an over heating problem even in stop and go traffic at 100+F outside temp. Doesn't say the inside was cool but I still have the same antifreeze from when I finished the car many years ago.
 
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