Easy View Coolant Level Check

[Tom Wesenberg]

The other day I posted pictures of my swap meet finds, and mentioned why I wanted a particular drain cock. Here you can see it has an exit port that holds a clear plastic tubing very well. You can also buy a drain cock with a barbed fitting to do the same. At the local surplus store I bought a 20" length of stiff clear plastic tubing, and used a clear flexible plastic tubing to connect it to the drain cock. I can mount the stiff tube to the side of the radiator and easy view the coolant level by just opening the drain cock. I could probably leave it open, but just to be safe I'll close it when not checking the level.

I could also have just run the flexible tubing up the side of the radiator and eliminate the stiff tube.

[Mitch]

AHH
A carburetor type float gauge for the radiator... ingenious

[Mitch]

And as a dual purpose you can drain the cooling system into a container away from the vehicle::::

[WMWS]

Great idea Tom

[Fixitphil]

That is Model A ingenuity. Very creative. I'll remember that one.

[BNCHIEF]

Exactly what this forum is about.

[DaWizard]

Yes Tom, I think it is best to close the valve while running. Pretty smart idea.

[2manycars]

That is also a handy way to collect a bit of coolant to check for freezing protection, as it is difficult on some radiators to withdraw coolant for checking from the filler neck.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Reminds me, a Friend, on his Hot Rod Pickup, sweated a 1/8 NPT X 1/8" tubing fitting into his radiator upper tank. Then inserted a Meat Thermometer into it & tightened it! While working underhood, he can monitor the temp. Under the hood, he also has a QUICK ignition shut off toggle switch & a starter button!
Dad