I've gotten a low coolant level message three times in the past couple of weeks. I checked the overflow tank and the level was above the cold mark. I added a little bit anyway. It appears that the coolant flows from the opaque white plastic tank forward of the right front wheel back to the black plastic tank behind the right front wheel and then on to the radiator. Should I be adding coolant to the black tank as well? Or is there some way to add it directly to the radiator? I'm stuck, what is my best course of action?
Thanks!

 

When was the last time the system was flushed? It could be air in the line...............

 

Add to the radiator itself. With the motor running (cold), remove the cap. Add water, it will slowy purge air and settle once the thermostat opens (youll see the water start to move) repeat. May take a few minutes. Its better to have the nose a little higher than the rear if possible.

 

Especially when drinking a martini........

 

Or if shes taking it in the pooper

 

Take the radiator cap off when cold. Start the engine and let it get to thermostat opening temp. You should start to see the level drop at the radiator cap opening if there is air in the system. Add coolant as needed.

 

The black tank above and to the rear of the right-side tire is where the pressure cap is located. There should not be a cap on the radiator itself. The clear tank up front is the overflow tank and you can add coolant there.

With the engine cold, remove the pressure cap on the black tank and see where the coolant level is. It should be just below the lip of the filler neck. Start the motor and let it warm up to where the coolant in the tanks begins to flow. Add a 50-50 mix of distilled water and coolant until the level is up to the base of the filler neck. Replace the cap and the low coolant light should go out (the sensor should be on the black tank and not on the radiator itself).

Check the coolant level the next day to see if it has dropped. If it did drop, it may be because an air pocket was relieved or there could be a leak in the cooling system. If the light comes on again and the coolant level is down a signifigant amount, have the cooling system pressure-checked to see if there is a leak somewhere.

My 87 developed a leak last year and I couldn't find where the leak was but I got a small puddle of coolant on the floor every morning. I did a pressure-test and found that the gasket on the right side of the water pump mounting flange to the block had failed. Had to remove most of the front of the motor to get the pump off to replace a 35-cent gasket.

 

I would say before you do anything, find out why the level keeps dropping.
I had a couple cracks in my side tanks that were nearly invisible until finally they got to the point where I could see the coolant squirting out.
My solution? Put in a new radiator.

Getting rid of any air in the system is a must as well.

 

Thanks, guys. The light was coming on when I started the engine, then would go off after it warmed up. I didn't see a cap on the radiator, so was figuring that the black reservoir was where water\coolant should be added. Just wanted to make sure. I will also check for leaks when I get a chance.