'86 Low Coolant light keeps comin on...
Thread Starter
CF "Young" Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 26
From: Cupertino CA
St. Jude Donor '12
'86 Low Coolant light keeps comin on...
The 'low coolant' warning keeps popping up on my '86.
The coolant temp reads out fine, and as far as I can see the fluid level is good too. I just plugged in a new coolant level sensor cause I thought that might be the issue, but nope.
Any suggestions, guys? (Does this sensor actually check the amount of coolant vs water, or just the level of the fluid in the radiator?)
The coolant temp reads out fine, and as far as I can see the fluid level is good too. I just plugged in a new coolant level sensor cause I thought that might be the issue, but nope.
Any suggestions, guys? (Does this sensor actually check the amount of coolant vs water, or just the level of the fluid in the radiator?)
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Level of fluid, their were a few service bulletins to attempt to fix it, different cap and sensor. I think the real fix is a different radiator which I think was changed slightly in 87. I have done all the service bulletins and my still comes on from time to time, I still have my original radiator, so I think that is the problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
I believe that the low coolant sensor just checks the level of coolant in the radiator.
I had this issue after I replaced my thermostat. I would check the radiator level when the car was cool and off, and it was always topped off. What I found out (From this place) is that I needed to check the coolant level with the car running and the thermostat open, and the car at 2,000RPM. When I did this, I saw that the coolant level did drop significantly and exposed the low coolant sensor, triggering the dash light. I topped it off while the wife held the motor at 2K RPM, and replaced the cap. It has been fine since.
If you want to do a Forum search, I believe it is referred to as "Packing the radiator".
I had this issue after I replaced my thermostat. I would check the radiator level when the car was cool and off, and it was always topped off. What I found out (From this place) is that I needed to check the coolant level with the car running and the thermostat open, and the car at 2,000RPM. When I did this, I saw that the coolant level did drop significantly and exposed the low coolant sensor, triggering the dash light. I topped it off while the wife held the motor at 2K RPM, and replaced the cap. It has been fine since.
If you want to do a Forum search, I believe it is referred to as "Packing the radiator".
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 632
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg, PA 86 Vert w/ 89 wheels
Originally Posted by Square
I believe that the low coolant sensor just checks the level of coolant in the radiator.
I had this issue after I replaced my thermostat. I would check the radiator level when the car was cool and off, and it was always topped off. What I found out (From this place) is that I needed to check the coolant level with the car running and the thermostat open, and the car at 2,000RPM. When I did this, I saw that the coolant level did drop significantly and exposed the low coolant sensor, triggering the dash light. I topped it off while the wife held the motor at 2K RPM, and replaced the cap. It has been fine since.
If you want to do a Forum search, I believe it is referred to as "Packing the radiator".
I had this issue after I replaced my thermostat. I would check the radiator level when the car was cool and off, and it was always topped off. What I found out (From this place) is that I needed to check the coolant level with the car running and the thermostat open, and the car at 2,000RPM. When I did this, I saw that the coolant level did drop significantly and exposed the low coolant sensor, triggering the dash light. I topped it off while the wife held the motor at 2K RPM, and replaced the cap. It has been fine since.
If you want to do a Forum search, I believe it is referred to as "Packing the radiator".
You saved me!!!! It worked brilliantly. Thanks for the info.
Waka, Waka, Waka!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 2
From: Richmond Virginia
CI 4-6-8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Originally Posted by Square
I believe that the low coolant sensor just checks the level of coolant in the radiator.
I had this issue after I replaced my thermostat. I would check the radiator level when the car was cool and off, and it was always topped off. What I found out (From this place) is that I needed to check the coolant level with the car running and the thermostat open, and the car at 2,000RPM. When I did this, I saw that the coolant level did drop significantly and exposed the low coolant sensor, triggering the dash light. I topped it off while the wife held the motor at 2K RPM, and replaced the cap. It has been fine since.
If you want to do a Forum search, I believe it is referred to as "Packing the radiator".
I had this issue after I replaced my thermostat. I would check the radiator level when the car was cool and off, and it was always topped off. What I found out (From this place) is that I needed to check the coolant level with the car running and the thermostat open, and the car at 2,000RPM. When I did this, I saw that the coolant level did drop significantly and exposed the low coolant sensor, triggering the dash light. I topped it off while the wife held the motor at 2K RPM, and replaced the cap. It has been fine since.
If you want to do a Forum search, I believe it is referred to as "Packing the radiator".
I didn't actually rev it to 2K though, just at idle, since I was alone.
Remind me to finish this the next time I have it over at your house.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
Originally Posted by illinest
You saved me!!!! It worked brilliantly. Thanks for the info.
But in all honesty, I am just passing on what the Forum taught me. This place rocks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
Originally Posted by Fozzy_Bear
Remind me to finish this the next time I have it over at your house.
I should be easy to find as I think I will be sleeping in the garage after I tell the wife I won't be helping out next weekend.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,324
Likes: 250
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Originally Posted by Fozzy_Bear
What a coincidence: I just discovered this on my own last night.
I didn't actually rev it to 2K though, just at idle, since I was alone.
Remind me to finish this the next time I have it over at your house.
I didn't actually rev it to 2K though, just at idle, since I was alone.
Remind me to finish this the next time I have it over at your house.
Much easier when you have a bikini clad assistant to help you
I wonder if my wifey will allow me one of those
