Coolant level sensor - where?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,163
Likes: 61
From: NH
St. Jude Donor '14
Coolant level sensor - where?
Alright guys, I have a new woe that showed up recently - the coolant levels good, I've visually checked, but the dash is displaying a low coolant light...
I know I'm leaking a little coolant right now, but thats getting fixed in March when I pull the car out from its hibernation (assuming the snow isn't rediculous) when the rest of my mods go on.
I noticed this happened when I refilled the coolant and it overpressurized and forced some coolant out of the resevoir. It must've knocked the sensor off or something, because the light flashes on and off, depending on throttle position, and physical car orientation (on a slight incline, it goes away... Or vice versa, can't remember right now.)
I appreciate the help guys,
Thanks,
-Joe
I know I'm leaking a little coolant right now, but thats getting fixed in March when I pull the car out from its hibernation (assuming the snow isn't rediculous) when the rest of my mods go on.
I noticed this happened when I refilled the coolant and it overpressurized and forced some coolant out of the resevoir. It must've knocked the sensor off or something, because the light flashes on and off, depending on throttle position, and physical car orientation (on a slight incline, it goes away... Or vice versa, can't remember right now.)
I appreciate the help guys,
Thanks,
-Joe
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
the sensor is on the surge tank. I don't exactly remember where, but its there somewhere.
Make sure it's still plugged in.
another leak point is where the metal collar meets the plastic tank. Happened to me a couple years back.
Make sure it's still plugged in.
another leak point is where the metal collar meets the plastic tank. Happened to me a couple years back.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The coolant level sensor is on the right top side of the radiator just below the small pipe that is directly below the filler. My 87 has a single green wire going to it. Most likely you do have low coolant and looking into the radiator filler with the engine off or cold will not show a low coolant level. The C4's have the radiator higher than the engine and if the thermostat is not open and coolant flowing, the coolant stays high and it looks full. Loosen the radiator cap to its first stop and let the engine idle until it reaches the stat opening temp. Race the engine with the throttle linkage and remove the radiator cap. You should see the coolant flowing and if you do have air in your system, the coolant level will drop when the engine is raced. You should fill the radiator with the engine racing until the coolant is at the neck of the filler and then install the radiator cap and let the engine back down to idle. Sometimes you have to , "burp", your cooling system more than once to get the air out.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by jfb
The coolant level sensor is on the right top side of the radiator just below the small pipe that is directly below the filler. My 87 has a single green wire going to it. Most likely you do have low coolant and looking into the radiator filler with the engine off or cold will not show a low coolant level. The C4's have the radiator higher than the engine and if the thermostat is not open and coolant flowing, the coolant stays high and it looks full. Loosen the radiator cap to its first stop and let the engine idle until it reaches the stat opening temp. Race the engine with the throttle linkage and remove the radiator cap. You should see the coolant flowing and if you do have air in your system, the coolant level will drop when the engine is raced. You should fill the radiator with the engine racing until the coolant is at the neck of the filler and then install the radiator cap and let the engine back down to idle. Sometimes you have to , "burp", your cooling system more than once to get the air out.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 634
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Originally Posted by jfb
The coolant level sensor is on the right top side of the radiator just below the small pipe that is directly below the filler. My 87 has a single green wire going to it. Most likely you do have low coolant and looking into the radiator filler with the engine off or cold will not show a low coolant level. The C4's have the radiator higher than the engine and if the thermostat is not open and coolant flowing, the coolant stays high and it looks full. Loosen the radiator cap to its first stop and let the engine idle until it reaches the stat opening temp. Race the engine with the throttle linkage and remove the radiator cap. You should see the coolant flowing and if you do have air in your system, the coolant level will drop when the engine is raced. You should fill the radiator with the engine racing until the coolant is at the neck of the filler and then install the radiator cap and let the engine back down to idle. Sometimes you have to , "burp", your cooling system more than once to get the air out.
Don't forget the last part.. put the cap on BEFORE you let the idle back down or your're going to get wet!
