FE surge tank

[Jeff Norwell]

Not sure if I have the proper terminology ... but I was considering on running the stock FE surge Tank on my 428 in the 57.I assume on a factory unit the rad upper tank was sealed.Not so on my 57 tank.. Will i run into a problem using this and my stock rad.... and being a newbie on Ford stuff... what was the purpose of these tanks.. thanks guys.


Jeff

[gasman826]

Running surge/expansion tank on the manifold and using a radiator with expansion tank with radiator cap would be redundant but shouldn't be a problem.  The manifold mounted expansion tank was used on models that had low, slopping hoods that left the manifold higher than the top of the radiator.  Which ever radiator cap has the higher altitude would be the one I would use to fill and use an appropriate poundage cap.  The other cap would have a higher pressure setting so only one would bypass in an over pressure event.  Those tanks are cool and only used a couple of years... maybe '59-'64.  Thunderbirds likely used them more years than the Fords.

[Jeff Norwell]

Thank you Gary!

[lowrider]

Just went through this on my 61 Starliner I picked up last year. Car had both an expansion tank and a new aluminum radiator. Although it worked fine the 2 caps bugged the hell out of me. Ended up taking the radiator to a welding shop where he removed the cap set up. I can sleep at nite again.

[hiball3985]

Will the hood clear the tank on a 57?

[Jeff Norwell]

Just went through this on my 61 Starliner I picked up last year. Car had both an expansion tank and a new aluminum radiator. Although it worked fine the 2 caps bugged the hell out of me. Ended up taking the radiator to a welding shop where he removed the cap set up. I can sleep at nite again.

Ha ha ha..... I am just thinking about this at the moment.

[Jeff Norwell]

Will the hood clear the tank on a 57?

From my initial rough measurements.Pretty sure it will Jim... but I am not sure I will even do this... may get tight to the battery area.

[fordaholic]

  Jeff, if the tank does clear you still may have a problem. Your modified aircleaner, will it fit between the hood latch and the tank?? Remember you have to move the aircleaner forward, do you not?

[Jeff Norwell]

  Jeff, if the tank does clear you still may have a problem. Your modified aircleaner, will it fit between the hood latch and the tank?? Remember you have to move the aircleaner forward, do you not?

Your right Gary..But I plan to use a modified 59-61 Air Cleaner..and yes.. that large turkey pan may present a problem....

[Ford Blue blood]

Jeff look around for truck thermostat housings.  The 73 with a 360 I had was a radiator cap configuration.  You will need the early thermostat as it has a larger diameter but will fit and work under the late model housing.

The expansion tank was used in 58 - 66 Birds and 60 - 64 Fords in various configurations.

[Jeff Norwell]

Thank you Bill!