Alt conversion kit question

[alexr254]

I am in the process of installing the breezeworks alt conv kit on my merc 470 w/ power steering.

One thing i am not understanding which i hope someone here can clarify for me is the plastic coolant container... Where the heck does this go when i have the lower mount alt kit installed? Is it even necessary?

sorry for the dumb question...

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alt conversion kit question

I am in the process of installing the breezeworks alt conv kit on my merc 470 w/ power steering.

One thing i am not understanding which i hope someone here can clarify for me is the plastic coolant container... Where the heck does this go when i have the lower mount alt kit installed? Is it even necessary?

sorry for the dumb question...

Mine was relocated to the transom, just run a new hose. Should be about the same level as the old one. Yes it is. No such thing.

 

[alexr254]

Re: Alt conversion kit question

thank you once again stonyloam

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alt conversion kit question

Just a little followup: The closed cooling system on the 470 is the same as on your car. The reservoir should be filled to the top, and when you run the engine the coolant expands and the overflow goes into the plastic coolant recovery tank. When the engine cools off the coolant is sucked back into the reservoir. So it is a good idea to mount the tank someplace where it is convenient to add coolant to it (same as your car, coolant is added to the tank rather than directly to the radiator). If the reservoir is not full the air will expand and vent out through the tank and when it cools coolant will be pulled in to replace it keeping the reservoir full. You should always have coolant in the tank, there should be a fill line on it somewhere.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Alt conversion kit question

Make sure your reservoir cap (radiator cap) is in pretty decent shape. It regulates the flow of the coolant into and from the recovery tank. It has to open up when the system reaches the correct pressure, allowing coolant to flow into the recovery tank, and when the engine starts to cool down and creates a vacuum within the system, the little metal check valve plate on the bottom of the cap has to open to suck the coolant back into the reservoir. Hope that makes sense!

If your recovery tank level doesn't go up or down, even though the engine is reaching full operating temp, that could be caused by a bad radiator cap or a clogged hose going to the recovery tank. Just something to keep in mind...

 

[alexr254]

Re: Alt conversion kit question

Thank you!
Once again very useful info. The cap did look rusty, i soaked it in kerosine overnight and cleaned it as best as i can. Will see if it needs replacing once we get to the testing phases.