Low Cooling Fluid
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Durham NC
Low Cooling Fluid
I have an 88, and on the 'low cooling fluid' warning light keeps coming on.
But when I check the level it's just fine. The coolant temp runs about 150.
Any thoughts?
This morning I did notice a small amount of steam rising out of the front of the hood. But I had just washed the car, so, I don't know.
But when I check the level it's just fine. The coolant temp runs about 150.
Any thoughts?
This morning I did notice a small amount of steam rising out of the front of the hood. But I had just washed the car, so, I don't know.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
Likes: 707
From: WI
You could test or replace the low coolant sensor. 150° coolant temp is way to low. Either there is air in the system or the thermostat has failed. You could try the burp. Also you can pull the 'stat and test it in boiling water, they are cheap to replace. On my '88 before I fixed things, I had to remove the throttle body hoses to get at the thermostat. So the project does take a little time.
Last edited by Aardwolf; Nov 30, 2007 at 05:42 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Woodway TX
My 89 does the same thing for no reason, even with a new sensor. I have gone through everything & it still does the same thing until the engine warms up. Plenty of fluid in the radiator, so I don't worry about it any more.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
Likes: 2
From: Rio Vista ca.
Ditto
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
- Front of car elevated (ramps are fine)
- second person holding the engine at 2K RPM after the thermostat opens, then top off the coolant
On my 86' I would have an intermittant "Low Coolant" light until I did this.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Brownsville Texas
I've burped my 86 until I'm blue! Changed the sensor, overflow tube and coolant reservoir, thermostat is opening fine ... it's been a problem since day one. Like DonF, I don't worry about it anymore. Turns on and off when it wants to. Like some girls I've known. 
