I filled the radiator to about 1-1/2" below the filler neck. Took a ride, didn't overheat. After a hour of cool dow, I opened the radiator cap to discover the coolant level to be at the bottom the the cap. What's up? Air bubble, collasped hose? Thanks in advance

 

Did you turn on your heater so that you could get air out of the heater box?

 

Probably and air bubble. Burp it and see if that fixes the problem.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7369_burp-cars-cooling.html

 

No and No, but I will and will. Thanks again

 

I'd suggest check the level again when its cold.
the reason you dont fill the radiator right up is because the heatcauses expansion in a system under pressure. if you fill it right up, the top inch of coolant in the rad is pushed out when the engine is hot. hence the level tends to sit about an inch lower when the car is cold. what you are likely seeing is the expansion of coolant to take up that top inch of space in the top of the radiator.

the alternative is a recovery system like modern cars where the expansion is collected in a bottle when the car is hot and sucked back into the system as the pressure drops when the car is cooling. All you need is a collection bottle and the recovery cap (which looks pretty much the same but has an extra rubber seal arrangement to allow coolant back in)

 

Thanks to all. I did as was suggested. Took off the rad cap and started the engine. When it started to heat up, about a quart of coolant burped out, then another pint, then it started to steam, I added distilled water to fill it up and let it run for a few more minutes[no over heat] put the cap back on and shut it off. I hope when it cools down that the level is low enough to add a little bit of antifreeze, we shall see.

 

P.S. Thanks Soaring,you have helped me so much in the restoration of Nasty. I may have not asked a direct question, but have looked at your other posts and have gotten very good, and accurate information. Thank again.

 

You're welcome bro. Can you make it to Austin for the MOCA show?

 

You know I'd love to. But there are a couple more burps I have to get thru. Maybe next time. If you are ever in Colorado let me know, way up in the hills.