1G Coolant overflow placement?

[bigtimmyd]

Hello all, I am somewhat new to the DSM world, well been through the ringer the last year actually.

My coolant in my 91 Talon TSI has been disappearing on hot days ever since I've had this car. Since I have replaced the water pump, HG and thermo. I am in the process of some major upgrades, Radiator included, but I was wondering if the placement of the overflow bottle matters (i.e. a certain angle from thermo housing)? Every time I fill the overflow, I drive it, even just a couple miles, and its empty. The overflow bottle was zip tied in the factory location when I bought the car, but it seems like about 4-6" below the spot.

Would that increased angle cause coolant to evaporate or overflow somehow? BTW, I have a 13lb radiator cap that I replaced when I got the thermo about 3000k ago.

Also I'm not sure if the fans have been working properly, they are definetly not now, but I have the sensors coming

 

[xander061]

Its a pressurized vacuum system so it doesnt really matter but the stock place is the best in my opinion since its not really i n the way of anything, did u check you coolant system for leaks b/c there is no reason why it should empty unless its a really hot day and your engine is overheating.

 

[enasnitsi]

Did you pressure test the system to make sure nothing is leaking? I'd also test the cap even if its not very old.

 

[bigtimmyd]

I haven't done the pressure check yet, I guess I'm hoping when I put the new radiator and hoses it will fix it... I have read that some people have put 18lb cap on, would that make a difference? Also I'm going to check the thermo when I have it all apart

 

[DsMWookie]

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

That is mine. Like others said positioning shouldn't matter much.

 

[bigtimmyd]

yeah, that's way lower than mine. Dang, I was praying that could be it. I still have much to learn! I've heard of coolant leaking only while driving, but nothing is ever wet underneath... I really am hoping its not my HG again, but it did it before I rebuilt the head and only on hot days (hot days here are like 75). Non-sweet tasting white smoke every once in a while, but I have a 3" straight pipe to muffler and my mechanic thought it's probably just condensation. I'm wondering if its running rich/lean too. It seems like it has been holding back power a little. I've been running at 14psi. (My boost control seems to be stuck there). Well in about two weeks I'll have the following:

new 16g turbo, FMIC and piping
radiator and hoses
BOV
MAF MAFT
ECM link
FIC fuel rail

and I already have FIC 1050, Walbro 255 and the temp sensors waiting to be installed, so I hope in all this (besides big HP gain) this fixes my problem!

 

[vinny5486]

I removed my stock intercooler and put a water to air intercooler. So I put my coolant overflow bottle where the old intercooler went. Easy access.

Make sure all your hoses r tight. Coolant will spray out at high temps.