TR2/3/3A Rad Coolant Return Setup for TR3A?

[karls59tr]

Where did you get your overflow container? What pressure rating on the cap for the overflow container? What kind of cap did you use for the Rad itself? Is there a kit available?

 

[martx-5]

Stock TR3's don't have an overflow container. Basically, the neck attached to the top of the radiator acts as an overflow container. The stock cap for the TR3 is 4 lbs. I believe they went to a 7 lb. cap on the TR4. That's what I put in my TR3.

I though about adding an overflow container to my TR3, but since I'm not having any problems with the stock set-up, that project remains on the back burner.

 

[JohnB]

Karl,

On one of our large tractors, that gets lots of heavy work, we simply put the overflow tubing into a tall plastic
soda bottle.

Did not change the original radiator cap and simply sealed the
tubing in the bottle mouth with a bit of breathable foam to keep
out the dust. The original cap lets the water flow back into the
radiator as the whole system cools down. Works great, very simple.

Was planning to do the same on my TR2, but as long as I keep the
coolant level just a tad over the bottom of the filler chamber,
I have had no problems with overflows.

 

[startech47]

I used the brass overflow container from an MG Midget. The set up looks like it belongs. I used a NAPA 7 lb cap on the radiator. No more mess on the floor.

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha Karl,

I used the overflow bottle and mounting bracket for a TR4A. These should be available from the usual sources. I also switched to the 7 PSI radiator cap for the TR4. I mounted the bottle on the inner fender and just inserted the overflow tube from the filler neck in the bottle.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I used the overflow bottle and mounting bracket for a TR4A...

That's what I did on my TR4 and it works fine -- seemed like a good idea as the late TR4s did not have the big neck that acts like an expansion reservoir.

I tried a recovery system on the TR3A but could not get it to work even with modifcation to the seal and sealing the brass rivet in the middle of the cap. Finally gave up, told myself I didn't need it as it never overheats or pukes even on long mountain climbs or 100* days.

 

[TR4nut]

Same setup as Startech I think - brass MG expansion tank. Blanking cap on the top of the radiator and 7 psi cap on the expansion tank, and about 3 years on the TR4 with no problems.. I agree with Geo, at least on the TR4 its nice to have because there is no other room for expansion with that system and I used to leave a puddle on hot Texas days before I added the tank.

 

[TexasKnucklehead]

I tried a recovery system on the TR3A but could not get it to work even with modifcation to the seal and sealing the brass rivet in the middle of the cap.

Did you use a cap of the proper height? The TR3 and early TR4s used a deeper cap. The 7lb caps are generally of the shallower type, and will not seal, unless the radiator has been modified. When I had my radiator repaired, I had them change out the fittment for the cap which included an attachment for the overflow hose.

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha,

I have been using a 7 PSI radiator cap from NAPA, part number NBK 703-1411. This one is for the tall filler neck. the 4 PSI cap for the same application is NBK 703-1410.

 

[martx-5]

The 7lb caps are generally of the shallower type, and will not seal, unless the radiator has been modified.

Moss has the deep 7 lb. caps.

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Here is the overflow set up on my former vintage racer.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd