SupDoc Posted February 9, 2023 Report Share Posted February 9, 2023 For stock L4 1600, is there anything special to be done when refilling coolant, from completely empty? Or just fill it up and keep topping it off, while it runs for that first 10 minutes? 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 9, 2023 Report Share Posted February 9, 2023 Just fill it up. The thermostat is the highest point in the cooling system and all air bubbles will migrate there. The thermostat is horizontal so as soon as it opens any residual air will displace up and out into the radiator tank. Leave the radiator cap off while warming and you may notice the coolant level drop slightly, just top it off. Leave a good 1/2" space for expansion. Better yet get a coolant recovery tank and the special rad cap that goes with it and it will automatically top itself off every time the engine cools down after use. 1 Quote Link to comment
Crashtd420 Posted February 9, 2023 Report Share Posted February 9, 2023 You should make sure your heat box is in the open position too.. Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted February 9, 2023 Report Share Posted February 9, 2023 I like to bring it up to temp while idling with the cap off. Stick a thermometer down inside the filler neck and watch the coolant heat and cool when the thermostat opens and closes. Then install the cap while the engine is still running. Quote Link to comment
SupDoc Posted February 10, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2023 Thanks for the info, much appreciated! Quote Link to comment
MikeRL411 Posted February 10, 2023 Report Share Posted February 10, 2023 On 2/9/2023 at 7:06 AM, datzenmike said: Just fill it up. The thermostat is the highest point in the cooling system and all air bubbles will migrate there. The thermostat is horizontal so as soon as it opens any residual air will displace up and out into the radiator tank. Leave the radiator cap off while warming and you may notice the coolant level drop slightly, just top it off. Leave a good 1/2" space for expansion. Better yet get a coolant recovery tank and the special rad cap that goes with it and it will automatically top itself off every time the engine cools down after use. Depending on heater hose routing this may not be true, If heater hose has a higher point install a Prestone flush Tee and use it to vent while filling and top off at the Tee. Quote Link to comment
paradime Posted February 10, 2023 Report Share Posted February 10, 2023 I find it helpful to stand on my head and spit nickels across the garage, but that's just on months with 29 days. Otherwise just do what Mike said. It'll save you the headache. 2 Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted February 10, 2023 Report Share Posted February 10, 2023 2 hours ago, MikeRL411 said: Depending on heater hose routing this may not be true, If heater hose has a higher point install a Prestone flush Tee and use it to vent while filling and top off at the Tee. There are ways around that. I'd rather not have another potential failure point. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 10, 2023 Report Share Posted February 10, 2023 4 hours ago, MikeRL411 said: Depending on heater hose routing this may not be true, If heater hose has a higher point install a Prestone flush Tee and use it to vent while filling and top off at the Tee. As soon as you open the heater valve the bubble gets pushed out and ends up in the top radiator tank anyway. Quote Link to comment
Thomas Perkins Posted February 10, 2023 Report Share Posted February 10, 2023 I always done it the way Mike said in my 720,if not,it will run hot and all the air is trapped. Quote Link to comment
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