C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

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Old May 6, 2013 | 02:11 AM
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hi,

is there a sign on the coolant reservoir that shows how much coolant should I put in?
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Old May 6, 2013 | 09:40 AM
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The plastic reservoir has two fill lines molded into the side of the tank that faces forward. One says HOT the other says COLD. The reservoir cap should have a "dipstick" that has both markings on it.

Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. Add fresh coolant in a 50-50 mix to bring it to the COLD line.
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Old May 6, 2013 | 01:27 PM
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I'm confused, there are two reservoirs, both on passenger side, one is in front of the car the other is further back, the one in the back has 3 lines and a cap without dipstick, the one in the front has only one line that is connected to the back reservoir and has a cap with a dipstick and no sensor attached and has less coolant in it

ps. my vette is from 91

thanks
dan
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Old May 6, 2013 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by ndanl
I'm confused, there are two reservoirs, both on passenger side, one is in front of the car the other is further back, the one in the back has 3 lines and a cap without dipstick, the one in the front has only one line that is connected to the back reservoir and has a cap with a dipstick and no sensor attached and has less coolant in it

ps. my vette is from 91

thanks
dan
The one in the back against the firewall is your surge tank. It's black plastic. The cap on it is a radiator pressure cap and the surge tank is pressurized with the rest of the coolant system so don't open that one while the engine is hot. This one should be full with cooant.

The bottle in front passenger side fender area is your overflow tank, it's opaque or white and holds the the overflow coolant from the system. There is only one hose that runs from your surge tank to the overflow bottle. On the front of the overflow bottle are two lines ( you can feel them) molded in, the bottom one is the Cold mark and the top is the Hot mark. The black cap on the overflow bottle should also have the dipstick with the coolant level marks on it. The bottle is not pressurized and receives fluid from the surge tank as it warms up and achieves pressure and fluid is sucked back the overflow bottle as the system cools. Fill up the overflow bottle when the system is cold to the Cold mark ( the lower of the two)
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Old May 6, 2013 | 02:18 PM
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with mxw128. Good write up.
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Old May 6, 2013 | 05:36 PM
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LT's aren't the easiest engine / cooling systems to purge. It takes four or five cyles.

I filled the system throught the surge (black plastic) tank. I opened up the bleeder screw atop the water pump / thermostat housing and filled until coolant came out (standard FSM procdure) then started engine, let run for only a minute or so; opened surge tank added coolant; repeat, then repeat again until no more coolant could be added. let cool.

then ran engine until thermostat opened (feel upper radiator hose) let engine cool; then repeat until no more coolant needed to be added to the surge tank.

finally add coolant to overflow tank.

check level in BOTH tanks often, especially in the morning when everything is cool.
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Old May 6, 2013 | 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by mtwoolford
LT's aren't the easiest engine / cooling systems to purge. It takes four or five cycles.......
Lt1 engines are self bleeding. Just fill the system, and idle the engine with the rad cap off. When the tstat opens, add more coolant. Replace the rad cap, and the system will bleed itself. I'm aware of the bleed screws.

http://www.calgaryfieros.com/OSGdocs/mod.LT1.html
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