Coolant
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Coolant
hello everyone.I I think I am loosing coolant somewhere,first of when my vehicle is cold and my recovery tank is at the correct level and I remove my radiator cap should my radiator be full also.this might seem like a stupid question but I am not a mechanic.everthing. in cooling system is new but not sure of water pump.the loss of coolant seems to come after being run hard and then i have to add come coolant to the recovery tank,.coolant runs at at 195-200 range.its a 355 blueprint engine one year old. thank you
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,778
Likes: 4,012
From: US-PNW
Your system may be performing just fine and what you're seeing is the expansion and contraction and pressurization of the coolant. Fill it to proper volume and then allow it to come to full temp. The system will purge what it can't contain. Then monitor it at what ever level it sets for itself. (On the passenger side tank of the radiator there may be a "cold level" embossed marking about 3" down that you haven't noticed before.) If you continue to lose coolant afterwards then you may have further digging to do, but if it's maintaining that initial level and not over heating I'd say you're good to go.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,503
Likes: 2,498
Since you have a 1980 there is no cold level marking on the radiator.
If the level in the radiator when cold is more than about a 1/2" down the recovery process is not working or you have a leak.
The only thing preventing the recovery cycle from working is a leaking radiator cap.
You should pressure test the cooling system and radiator cap to find the cause of the problem.
If the level in the radiator when cold is more than about a 1/2" down the recovery process is not working or you have a leak.
The only thing preventing the recovery cycle from working is a leaking radiator cap.
You should pressure test the cooling system and radiator cap to find the cause of the problem.
Last edited by MelWff; Feb 27, 2021 at 12:11 PM.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
coolant
Thanks for the replys. so let me see if i got this right ,if the engine is cold and the coolant level is at the correct marking at the recovery tank and i open the radiator cap the coolant level should be one half inch down that would mean my system is full.
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,209
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
If the coolant level in the recovery tank is between Cold-Hot, nearer Cold or at the Cold level mark, then when you open the rad cap, coolant should spill out i.e. the coolant should not be 1/2" below the rad cap opening. If coolant does not spill out, here's what I'd do. On a cold engine which has sat overnight, loosen the rad cap. If some, not much, coolant does not spill out, start the car. Go back and take cap off (before car warms up) and add coolant to the top. Replace rad cap. Take for a drive same as ever. In the morning, note level in coolant recovery tank. It should be the same as before or down just a bit. Open rad cap and check level. If still low, do same as before - start car, add coolant to rad, go for scoot. Check again on third day. By now, all the air in the coolant system should have been purged. You'll know when you open the rad cap and the coolant is to the top and spills a bit.
Last edited by resdoggie; Feb 28, 2021 at 01:53 PM.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,507
Likes: 22
From: MN/ Arizona
If your radiator is low it may take a few cycles to completely fill system and you will see this as a drop in cold recovery tank level.
Keep topping system as described below, or just keep adding to recovery tank. It should stabilize pretty quick.
If not, look for leaks. Watch oil for milky look or oil fill cap for moisture, that’s worst case. Use a mirror or borescope to look close at water pump weep hole on bottom under pulley shaft. Or intake gasket, head gasket leaks.
A lot of times you can smell small leaks easier than visually finding them, can you smell coolant after shutdown when it’s hot?
Make sure rubber gaskets on cap and hose to recovery tank are perfect.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,503
Likes: 2,498
That meant a 1/2" from the top of the neck.
