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filling coolant

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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:14 PM
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Default filling coolant

seems like a dumb topic, but bear with me.

head gaskets went out on my 84.
Pulled my heads, drained the block, etc...

so when I refill it, I understand I NEED to fill the block first, so I got some distilled water for that.

what the actual capacity of the system? Just to be clear, I drained the block, radiator, and the coolant overflow tank.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 11:23 PM
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I understand that it will help "burp" the system if you drill a small hole in your thermostat before filling the system. Cannot remember what the size of the hole is supposed to be though.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 11:30 PM
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I thought it would burp through the heater hose... Which I plan to leave unhooked while I fill.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 11:33 PM
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Some info from Mike Antonick's C4 Specs book: 1984 Capacity with A/C is 4.51 qt with A4 and 4.65 qt with 4+3 transmission.
This is listed under "Engine Cooling System Capacity" so hopefully that includes the block, pump, hoses and coolant recovery bottle.
Also lists "Radiator Cap relief pressure" as 15.psi. "Thermostat starts to open at" 195 F and "Fan motor switch point" 223 F.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 11:37 PM
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Cool... great info
My stat is 185 and the fan is hard wired hot
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 03:19 AM
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Originally Posted by corvetteronw
I understand that it will help "burp" the system if you drill a small hole in your thermostat before filling the system. Cannot remember what the size of the hole is supposed to be though.
1/8" x2 is my recipe
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
1/8" x2 is my recipe
, the 2 holes will make the system burp alot faster..It also helps to raise the front of the car up about a foot. The radiator sits lower then the engine in these cars and elevating the radiator helps the system fill and burp..WW

Last edited by WW7; Aug 22, 2012 at 08:08 AM.
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 09:18 AM
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So I drill 2 holes in the thermostat, fill the block with water, then fill the radiator with antifreeze to get my 50/50 mix.
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by MonteHall
So I drill 2 holes in the thermostat, fill the block with water, then fill the radiator with antifreeze to get my 50/50 mix.
Would it be possible for you to elaborate that procedure? I wonder how you can only fill the block with water and the rad with dexcool. How about the hoses; which one uses water?
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 03:11 PM
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Its a 50/50 mix through the whole coolant system. I figure it will mix itself
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by PLRX
Would it be possible for you to elaborate that procedure? I wonder how you can only fill the block with water and the rad with dexcool. How about the hoses; which one uses water?
Why not just buy the 50/50 mix anti -freeze?
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by MonteHall
Its a 50/50 mix through the whole coolant system. I figure it will mix itself
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 04:05 PM
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So I tell the doc, I don't know why I get these headaches...
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 05:32 PM
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Here is a write-up on the proper burping procedure. Also, your 84 came with ethylene glycol antifreeze (green) not DexCool (orange). You can't mix these and will have cooling system problems if you do.
Attached Images
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by nutz4c4
Why not just buy the 50/50 mix anti -freeze?
I already have a garage full of the EG stuf I have to mix.
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by nutz4c4
Why not just buy the 50/50 mix anti -freeze?
That would be fine if it cost half as much. Why pay for water?
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 09:44 PM
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I feel a "Which Antifreeze thread coming" WW
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To filling coolant

Old Aug 22, 2012 | 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by WW7
I feel a "Which Antifreeze thread coming" WW
too late. it's done.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...its-alive.html
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by MonteHall
Its a 50/50 mix through the whole coolant system. I figure it will mix itself


Just get a 5 gallon bucket, pour in a couple gallons of 50/50 and then refill the empty containers with water and add them to the bucket!! Mix well with a paddle, stick or your shoe! NOW it's a 50/50 mix and then add it to the radiator filler spout. Whatever is left over, pour it in the empty container and save for future topping off. No guesswork!
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84


Just get a !! Mix well with a paddle, stick or your shoe! NOW it's a 50/50 mix and then add it to the radiator filler spout. Whatever is left over, pour it in the empty container and save for future topping off. No guesswork!
5 gallon bucket, pour in a couple gallons of 50/50 and then refill the empty containers with water and add them to the bucket

So what would this end up being ? 20/80 ? That might not work up in
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