SPF Coolant Recovery System

[jhv48]

I've got SPF 2932 and am getting tired of filling the coolant reservoir only to have half of it puke onto the street or my garage floor when it expands. I didn't realize I don't have a recirculating catch tank. The relief hose goes from just under the coolant filler cap down the inside of the engine compartment and just dumps onto my frame below the headers.

So, who has installed a recovery tank on their SPF, where did you mount it and what kind of tank did you get? Pictures would be great. Thx.

[Jim Kellogg]

I will see if I have a photo (my car is on vacation in snowy Buffalo right now). Post a photo of your setup if you can.

You may not have a problem. You should not fill the expansion tank all the way to the top. Half full should do it and you should be OK.

I have a catch tank on my Superformance for track days. Purchased it from Performance Unlimited. I also use their remote breather. They work well and look great! Here is a link
Cobra Valley's Surge, Reservoir & Breather Tanks

They also have tanks in stainless and billet.
Hope this helps!
Jim Kellogg

[WildBill1965]

Are you filling our expansion tank to the top? If so then dont! They recomend to fill it about 1/2 full. I have never had any atf on the floor or pavement, well except for a loose clamp.LOL Also have a catch can connected to the over flow with a drain valve on the bottom which is left open all the time! I could take pics, but have never had any luck posting pics on here, must be some trick!LOL

B i l l

Jim, diden't see your post, but we said about the same thing!

[Jim Kellogg]

Here is a photo of my setup. Catch tank is in the upper right. Don't mind the dirt and stains - this car has over 80,000 miles on it!



Hope this helps,
Jim Kellogg

[scootter]

Here is a pic of my expansion tank. You can only see the hose to the catch tank. Mine is black and tucked under the right front fender. I only fill the expansion tank maybe halfway.
Scott

[jhv48]

Perfect. Just where I was thinking of installing it.

Didn't know to only fill it half way. I've been filling it about 3/4. No wonder it pukes out the excess.

[Dana E.]

I use a Be Cool recovery tank, which holds two quarts for my recovery system. The tank is bolted to the front crossmember. I don't have an overheating problem and I run my expansion tank full.

[jhv48]

Dana, doesn't that get in the way of removing the oil filter? My filter is so big I have to loosen the three bolts that hold the remote filter to the frame in order to remove the filter.

[Jim Kellogg]

Here are some great tips on plumbing recovery or overflow tanks.

Cobra Valley's HOW TO PLUMB Surge & Reservoir Overflow Tanks

These are good tips, no matter what tank you choose to use.
Jim Kellogg

[Dana E.]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Dana, doesn't that get in the way of removing the oil filter? My filter is so big I have to loosen the three bolts that hold the remote filter to the frame in order to remove the filter.

Jim-the filter I use is easy to remove from either under the car or from the top on the left side of the engine compartment. The filter is a standard FL1A/ Wix 51515 size filter.

Dana

[Blas]

Remove the 3 bolts from the oil filter mounting bracket. Get 3 aluminum spacers, I think they were 3/8" or 1/2" long if I recall, also get 3 longer bolts to allow for the new spacers. Reinstall the oil filter mount using the new spacers to offset the bracket from its mount point on the chassis and your filter should be able to be removed easily.

[jhv48]

Doh! Why didn't I think of that? I've been contorting myself and loosening the three mounting bolts every time I have to remove the filter. Thanks!