Are ea81 radiators suposed to have an overflow tank? Austin put in some ea82 tank that just sits in the spare tire jack spot, and so everytime I go around a corner it tips over, dumps ALL of my coolant out and my car overheats... I'm gonna go secure it in place, but I'm not even sure it's suposed to have one or not. Whats someone else's opinion?

This is what my '84 has for an overflow tank. Looks stock to me.

 

http://usmb.net/gallery/albuo81/EngineFront

 

And this is what is, or was, in both the '82 and '86. Just an add on unit, same place as yours.

 

http://usmb.net/gallery/albuo81/under_the_hood

 

Wouldn't think not having an overflow tank installed, would cause the engine to overheat. I would look into the cooling system itself for the trouble. Mainly the thermostat, and overall condition of the radiator. 20 years of build up inside of the radiator is a good possibilty for your overheat problem. A new 2-row radiator can be had for about $120.00, give or take afew. www.radiators.com is one place to get one from.

NOTE: not sure if the "s" is supposed to be on the end of radiator or not, going from memory there.

well, I asumed all the coolant got drained from the system due to the overflow tank falling on it's side, turns out, the radiator was full of coolant, but cold, the engine is hot, that says to me the thermostat decided to lock up on me. I'm going to shucks tomarrow for a new one.

It most definatly should have one. Secure that puppy in a better spot and get a good cap for it

My 83 Brat does not have an overflow tank; just an overflow hose that dispenses it onto the garage floor. But mine has never gone above half on the temp indicator.

None of the subarus I've ever owned (Besides the WRX) have had a overflow tank. They are all EA81s. Just a little tube down to the ground. Even my EA81T wagon doesn't have a tank.

EA-81's have one built in to the rad, just fill it up to the little plate and the empty space bewteen that and the cap seves has a overflow tank.

thermostats are right in that little piece where the top hose goes into the intake manofold right? I have to replace it, unless something else can cause the water to not cirulate from the radiator to the engine.

You have the right location for the thermostat.

 

Ea81 vehicles did not have overflows as Original equipment but a lot of people have added a little tank to catch what the radiator will push out the overflow hose.

i added one, but the only time it is used is when the engine is hot. it sucks it back in when its cool. so it does nothing, when the engine is runing. the ea81 rad has to have an air cushion in the top, thats why it always spits it out, when you fill it to the top. ditch that thing.

 

i have resently fallen in love with my 180 degree thermostats, if it is maintained at a cooler temp, when you get in traffic, it will take longer to get higher on the guage.

I think I'm going with stock temprature, cause austin didn't have much luck with his 180 degree thermostat, least thats what I herd... I'm headin to the parts store today to figure out what I'm getting. But thanks everyone for all the input so far. it's been helpful.

Buy your T-stat from the dealer - same goes for your cap. Aftermarket can vary wildly.

 

As for an overflow - you don't need one. A properly operating cooling system should not require an overflow tank. It's only there in case you DO overheat.

 

GD