Adding coolant

[Pro3racer]

Ok, i have a pretty basic question, but here it goes. My coolant system is pretty much empty right now(after some work), how should i go about filling it, i already added a little coolant to the overfill bottle, just to bring it up to the middle of the marks. Should i start the car and leave the radiator cap off and add coolant there, or where should i add it and when??? I know i need to leave the cap off to release all the pesky air pockets.....any help here?

 

[prplhz96]

you are on the right track. take the rad cap off ( when engine is cold of course), and start the car, i usually let it run for 2~5 minutes, and top it off. Replace cap and double check resivoir and you are done.

 

[Pro3racer]

well, my system is pretty much empty, so do i just keep pouring coolant in the cap until its full???

 

[prplhz96]

Sorry I guess I was a little vague on the first part, top it off completely before you start the car, then start and see if it drops, alot of times after you fill it up, you wont need much after you start the car, but sometimes you get "air pockets", and letting the vehicle run works them out most of the time. And yes, fill it up until you can fit no more in the system, not in overflow, fill that to your full line.

 

[Pro3racer]

ok, sorry to be so reduntant, but my dad tells me to fill it by pouring it into the overfill bottle, not the cap . I fill it in the cap right?
Edit: sorry, forgot to completely read your post, i will fill it up right now....in the cap

 

[carbonfire]

Fill into the radiator first, than top off in the overflow tank. But when ever possible fill in the radiator because you will get the air bubbles out this way.

 

[prplhz96]

yes you want to fill it in your thermostat housing. Completely to the top.

 

[Pro3racer]

Thank you very much guys

 

[carbonfire]

No problem man, glad we could help.... and you know I ment fill at the rad. cap right, not to drill some hole in the radiator to fill it..... ..... long day at work.

 

[Pro3racer]

it runs great now, just to let you guys no, sucks that i can't drive it though, i looped the heater hoses, and no i have no heat, in 10 degree weather :thumbdown