Another Cooling question

[BirdDog]

Ok, not 100% sure I get what you are asking, but I'll try...

You need to check the coolant when the car is cold (don't open the cap when it's hot!)

If you fill it up to the Max line, it should not overflow when hot. It's normal for the coolant to rise in the overflow tank when hot, but again, it shouldn't overflow.

The pressure relief valve (are you talking about the valve on top of the tank under the plastic cover?) should only be open when you are purging air from the system. Once the air is out of the system, you should close the valve (by laying it down flat).

Air in the system could cause the coolant to explode out of the top of the coolant overflow tank (via the cap) and it will drain to the ground in front of the right rear tire.

If the coolant tank itself is leaking due to a crack it will leak coolant into your trunk (lift carpet to check the base of the tank). If it leaks through the relief valve, it should follow the same path as if it was coming out of the cap (ie, end up in front of right rear tire).

Have you checked that your radiator fans are working? If the car overheats (or even if it runs a bit hot) it could cause some coolant to be thrown out via the overflow cap. Keep in mind that the dashboard gauge is notoriously inaccurate on these cars. Do you hear the fans come on, and do both come on? You cleaned the radiators - did you do it by removing the front bumper cover and cleaning out between the radiators and the A/C evaporators? Just vacuuming through the front intakes usually won't get it all out.

Ok, that's all I've got!

[pilut2]

Originally Posted by BirdDog

Ok, not 100% sure I get what you are asking, but I'll try...


Have you checked that your radiator fans are working? If the car overheats (or even if it runs a bit hot) it could cause some coolant to be thrown out via the overflow cap. Keep in mind that the dashboard gauge is notoriously inaccurate on these cars. Do you hear the fans come on, and do both come on? You cleaned the radiators - did you do it by removing the front bumper cover and cleaning out between the radiators and the A/C evaporators? Just vacuuming through the front intakes usually won't get it all out.

Both my radiator fans are working. I removed the bumper cover and separated the rads and condensors. There was a bit of debris in there but surprisingly little. I have ordered an Airlift - once it comes in I will give it a try and report back. I must have a bit of air in the system.

[paulofto]

The Airlift or equivalent device works great. I just replaced my left radiator and refilled the coolant. I used an 'Airvac' from Princess Auto. It did a great job of holding vacuum to verify my hose clamps were well tightened and sucked in the right amount of coolant mix. It cost $70.00 CDN and paid for itself the first use. The rad cost $270.00 CDN delivered to my door from Rock Auto, it was a direct Behr replacement to the original.

All in it cost me under $400.00 CDN to replace the rad, fill the coolant and buy the Airvac. Plus my sweat and time. A heck of a lot less than going to a dealer or indie.

[78F350]

I'll jump in on this thread instead of starting another. Similar problem. Just changed the tank and thought all was good. 100 mile drive to the track with no issues. On the track with lots of runs to 6k rpm, I'm losing coolant. I think air is stuck in the system still, but either way, I am buying the tool. Don't need a pro model, but not looking to get the cheapest. What do you recommend?