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Old June 28th, 2024, 06:34 AM
LordNatedawg LordNatedawg is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Sparks, Nevada
Truck: 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
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Default Re: Adding Coolant Overflow Reservoir to 1967 305E

I haven't seen any kind of agreement on whether these trucks came with an overflow or not. My 65-66 service manual mentions that only "L" models have an overflow tank. Not sure about the 67s. However, it seems to be agreed that one is not needed. Running the coolant a little low in the radiator is fine if it isn't overheating and you don't mind the occasional drop of coolant on the driveway. As a general rule of thumb, you would need to be missing about 12% of your coolant before the water pump starts sucking in air. For the 305E with a 32 quart capacity, that means you'd have to lose almost a gallon of coolant before problems arise. That rule is a "one size fits all", so take it with a grain of salt.

Based on my 65-66 manual, the overtemp light should come on at 225 and the factory thermostats should be 180. I wouldn't expect those values to change much in a new model year, but who knows. If you want to make sure your overtemp light works, all you have to do is ground the wire to the temp sensor. If the light comes on, the wiring is good.

I personally like using overflows to ensure my radiator stays completely full and it keeps coolant off the driveway. The reservoir is also nice to have because I don't have to pop my radiator cap to check and top off coolant. I can just top off the reservoir and I'm good to go.

Tldr: It's up to you whether you want a reservoir. Filling the radiator a few inches below the top is not an uncommon practice when you don't have a reservoir. I do the same on my 1938 Buick.

If you want a reservoir, I've attached a picture of my 1 gallon Canton reservoir for your reference. I fashioned my own brackets for it by bending 1/8" flat steel in a bench vice. Also note that I have a 350 V8. Operating temps, coolant capacities, and expansion rates vary.
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