Postby qqqq » Mon Aug 17, 2015 3:49 pm
Thanks smj,
I really appreciate it! I have a few clarifying questions before I do this.
When you drain, do you follow service manual, meaning you unscrew the drain plug and remove the reservoir cap only, while leaving radiator cap on? Please let me know. Also, does the coolant from the reservoir drain as well, or does it remain there?
On a refill process - what I noticed just observing the system is that when you start the engine, it sucks the coolant in from the reservoir so it seems like it’s low, but when the engine cools off, it expands back to the MAX line. I assume that’s why you recommend to add if necessary when you start the engine. So my question is to what line do you add coolant in that first minute after you turn the engine on? I would be afraid to add to the MAX line as that may be too much coolant in the system – once the engine cools off the reservoir may very well be over the MAX line. Do you just keep it at MIN line before you put the vented cap on?
Finally, it appears to me that the coolant level in the reservoir should not be checked when the engine is hot (like the MAX line would indicate in a traditional system). It should only be checked when the engine is cold, and the level should be at MAX when cold. So there should be no need to check the coolant level while the engine is still hot because it may not be accurate. Am I wrong on this? Otherwise, the way you do it makes perfect sense, and I am glad I did not try using the funnel.
I don’t want to overthink this, but I also don’t want to ruin anything. Thanks for your help!