Coolant fill
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 18
From: Somerset PA
Coolant fill
Hello all!
I just finished a big project on the engine of my 89 coupe. I removed the plenum, runners and valve covers and powdercoated them, and added roller tip rockers while I had things apart. (I’ll post pics when I’m completely done.)
Anyway, this project involved taking off the coolant lines going to the throttle body. When I did this, I lost some coolant. I lost a little more after reassembling things, and forgetting to tighten down a clamp before I warmed the engine up.
So, what I’m wondering is if there is a way to refill the engine with coolant without running the engine. Can I just take off one of the TB lines and use a funnel to add water there? Or, is it safe to run the engine with low coolant and just wait for the thermostat to open? I realize that I’ll probably have to burp the system either way.
So, what do you think?
I just finished a big project on the engine of my 89 coupe. I removed the plenum, runners and valve covers and powdercoated them, and added roller tip rockers while I had things apart. (I’ll post pics when I’m completely done.)
Anyway, this project involved taking off the coolant lines going to the throttle body. When I did this, I lost some coolant. I lost a little more after reassembling things, and forgetting to tighten down a clamp before I warmed the engine up.
So, what I’m wondering is if there is a way to refill the engine with coolant without running the engine. Can I just take off one of the TB lines and use a funnel to add water there? Or, is it safe to run the engine with low coolant and just wait for the thermostat to open? I realize that I’ll probably have to burp the system either way.
So, what do you think?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
You should be able to add coolant to the overflow tank. I would add 50% coolant and 50% distilled water. When you run your engine through a warm/cool cycle it will pull coolant into the system. When your tank dipstick measures to the full line cold, stop. You won't have to burp it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by johnash
Or, is it safe to run the engine with low coolant and just wait for the thermostat to open? I realize that I’ll probably have to burp the system either way.
So, what do you think?
So, what do you think?
RACE ON!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
YES! When you are ready to start the engine, first make sure the radiator is as full as possible. Then proceed as you suggested (quoted above). Waiting for the cooling system to refill itself through the recovery tank will take too long, if it ever refills fully.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 18
From: Somerset PA
YES! When you are ready to start the engine, first make sure the radiator is as full as possible. Then proceed as you suggested (quoted above). Waiting for the cooling system to refill itself through the recovery tank will take too long, if it ever refills fully.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thanks!
