Coolant Top-Off Topic...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Midland Texas
Coolant Top-Off Topic...
88-C4-5.7
Ok, we all have problems getting the coolant system full because air is trapped in the block somewhere. I have a tool that pulls a vaccum on the coolant system then sucks the coolant into the system eliminating air trap. This has worked for me on every single vehicle except my corvette. I still get a low coolant signal until I drive and fill for a while, maybe days. I usually do the 2000 rpm thing while topping off but still get the low light for a while. I'm thinking an air bleed somewhere in the intake, or maybe topping off on a steep incline. Any Takers??? :thumbs:
Ok, we all have problems getting the coolant system full because air is trapped in the block somewhere. I have a tool that pulls a vaccum on the coolant system then sucks the coolant into the system eliminating air trap. This has worked for me on every single vehicle except my corvette. I still get a low coolant signal until I drive and fill for a while, maybe days. I usually do the 2000 rpm thing while topping off but still get the low light for a while. I'm thinking an air bleed somewhere in the intake, or maybe topping off on a steep incline. Any Takers??? :thumbs:
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,306
Likes: 242
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (autotech)
Is the light on as soon as your turn the key ?
If so, don't start, but open your rad cap and verify that coolant is actually lower than sensor.
Just a thought, maybe bad sensor or loose connection.
:cheers:
If so, don't start, but open your rad cap and verify that coolant is actually lower than sensor.
Just a thought, maybe bad sensor or loose connection.
:cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (autotech)
Usually the 2000 rpm top-off does a good job. Is the engine warmed up with the stat open when you're doing this? Another little trick, is to raise the front end with tall ramps or a jack until the radiator cap becomes becomes the "high point" in the cooling system. Of course the heater is on while you're topping off. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (TheStef)
... but? why would the heater need to be on?
:confused:
:confused:
The same water that passes through the engine and radiator, also goes through the heater core. That is where the heat comes from when you turn the heater on. Have you ever noticed that the heater doesn't put out any heat until the engine warms up? The heater core is a heat exchanger, a smaller version of your radiator. You want the heater to be on so the coolant is circuating through the heater core. If there is air trapped in the heater core, there is air trapped in the cooling system.
RACE ON!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (CFI-EFI)
I knew about the heater core and how it works.. but I didnt' realize that air would stay traped in there also.
At this rate I'll be learning for years and years! :thumbs:
At this rate I'll be learning for years and years! :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (TheStef)
Also, you have to be sure that the stat is open so that the coolant and air is circulated back to the radiator so that the air can escape.
Unless you have drilled a few holes in the stat, this may call for you holding the engine RPMs at 2000 or so for a couple of minutes.
Keep a watchful eye on the radiator coolant and watch for any bubbles.
Jake
Unless you have drilled a few holes in the stat, this may call for you holding the engine RPMs at 2000 or so for a couple of minutes.
Keep a watchful eye on the radiator coolant and watch for any bubbles.
Jake
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,182
Likes: 2
From: Almost all Skyline Cruises Vettes at Waterside 1-5
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (JAKE)
:cheers: I believe that coolant continuously circulates through the heater core on the L 98, so turning the heater on is of little consequence
The hole drilled (1/32) in the thermostat deck, along with the other procedures mentioned, should do the trick.
I am fortunate to have a Kwiklift and I always lower the rear end before filling the system. The air (IMHO) get's trapped in the upper radiator hose since that is the highest poiny in the system
:seeya
:steering:
The hole drilled (1/32) in the thermostat deck, along with the other procedures mentioned, should do the trick.
I am fortunate to have a Kwiklift and I always lower the rear end before filling the system. The air (IMHO) get's trapped in the upper radiator hose since that is the highest poiny in the system
:seeya
:steering:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Gushikawa Japan
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (CFI-EFI)
I haven't looked for the valve, but on my 91, when the temp is set to hot (fan off), the surrounding dash gets hot. Set to cool, stays cool. This would lead me to believe there is a coolant control valve. Anyway, it's good practice to have the temp control set to full hot when filling the radiator.
Matt
Matt
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (Motorworx)
Anyway, it's good practice to have the temp control set to full hot when filling the radiator.
RACE ON!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (TheStef)
I've heard about lifting the front end of the car and filling up the radiator...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (vinnies87)
I have a question for all you guys,
What if you just fill up the radiator, then drive arround for a few days and then fill it up some more, then drive arroudn for a few more days and then fill it up some more.
Would this eliminate the magority of the air pokets or bubles?
Because that all I did with my car and the engine temp is normal "never went over 230 with stock termostat" and I have no problem with the low coolant light.
[Modified by TheStef, 7:49 AM 2/27/2004]
What if you just fill up the radiator, then drive arround for a few days and then fill it up some more, then drive arroudn for a few more days and then fill it up some more.
Would this eliminate the magority of the air pokets or bubles?
Because that all I did with my car and the engine temp is normal "never went over 230 with stock termostat" and I have no problem with the low coolant light.
[Modified by TheStef, 7:49 AM 2/27/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (TheStef)
I have a question for all you guys,
What if you just fill up the radiator, then drive arround for a few days and then fill it up some more, then drive arroudn for a few more days and then fill it up some more.
Would this eliminate the magority of the air pokets or bubles?
Because that all I did with my car and the engine temp is normal "never went over 230 with stock termostat" and I have no problem with the low coolant light.
[Modified by TheStef, 7:49 AM 2/27/2004]
What if you just fill up the radiator, then drive arround for a few days and then fill it up some more, then drive arroudn for a few more days and then fill it up some more.
Would this eliminate the magority of the air pokets or bubles?
Because that all I did with my car and the engine temp is normal "never went over 230 with stock termostat" and I have no problem with the low coolant light.
[Modified by TheStef, 7:49 AM 2/27/2004]
Then as the engine cools, a suction is created and coolant is drawn back into the radiator from the over-flow gizmo.
Jake
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: Coolant Top-Off Topic... (JAKE)
The only way I know of that will allow the air to escape from the system is if the radiator cap opens due to the excessive pressure and vents the air vents to the overflow bottle (can't spell "resevoir" , lol). Otherwise, it's trapped in the system.
Then as the engine cools, a suction is created and coolant is drawn back into the radiator from the over-flow gizmo.
Then as the engine cools, a suction is created and coolant is drawn back into the radiator from the over-flow gizmo.
