Fill a radiator with it running. If the bottle is not presurized it does not matter if it it is running or not.
I understand the intent to reduce air pockets by filling the radiator while running, but how about filling the radiator while off, then run engine a bit, then check radiator again after it cools?Fill a radiator with it running.
Makes sense.If the bottle is not presurized it does not matter if it it is running or not.
Alright, I plan to properly fill the radiator, overflow bottle, and make sure the system is bled. I hope nothing goes wrong with the radiator cap when I remove it...hasn't been removed in a while.Sounds to me like if the overflow bottle is dry then there is air in the radiator and/or cooling system as well. Either way I would make sure it is filled to the cold level on the overflow bottle, when cold, and that the cooling system is properly bled. I'd also check for leaks just to play it safe.
You're making this way too complicated.
Sounds like you have a dry overflow tank and the radiator is either full or very close to full.
Add enough coolant mix until the tank is at max. Recheck in a few days and add more if needed.
+1 Knowing what car it is would have been very helpful. I mentioned that early on, and we still don't know. If it's anything like my old Ford the OP has nothing to worry about, my Wrangler, that's another story.Yea, that's what I was just about to say. Could the system have some air in it? Maybe, but it wouldn't be enough to make much of a difference. I still didn't see anywhere what car this was. Some cars are pickier than others, but generally, just put the fluid in the overflow and be done with it.
Sounds like you have a dry overflow tank and the radiator is either full or very close to full. Add enough coolant mix until the tank is at max. Recheck in a few days and add more if needed.
That would be a bit easier. Perhaps I'll start by doing this. Do old radiator pressure caps develop problems such that when eventually removed, they can cease functioning properly when reinstalled?generally, just put the fluid in the overflow and be done with it.
Good, I'll just fill it cold, then.As far as the hose between rad and overflow tank, any air that's in it will burp out when the engine warms up and the rad sends coolant. So it's fine to fill the overflow tank anytime-- warm or cold.
That's right, just a non-pressurized overflow bottle, as I indicated.To be clear to all in this thread, I am assuming a non-pressurized overflow tank vs a pressurized "surge" tank.
That's good. Wouldn't want to have to buy a new cap just because I removed it and disturbed something. Anyway, I think I'll just fill the overflow tank to start. Perhaps check radiator and bleed system later.Never heard of that issue. Inspect the cap when it is off, replace if needed.Do old radiator pressure caps develop problems such that when eventually removed, they can cease functioning properly when reinstalled?
Correct. I haven't removed the pressure cap. I was concerned that it might not seal properly after having been removed. It hasn't been removed in a while. I'm also reluctant to open the system bleeder valve for fear of not being able to seal it up properly.Im kind of confused with this. You dont know actual level of coolant in the radiator?
"to begin with"? As in, before checking the level in the radiator? Yes, that's the tentative plan. As others have mentioned, having the correct level in the overflow bottle doesn't guarantee an air-free system. Are you suggesting that filling the overflow bottle alone should resolve the problem, without opening the pressure cap?Why wouldnt you have the coolant in the reservoir at the appropriate level to begin with? IME, theres always a min/max level that is on the reservoir. Having the coolant at that level to begin with would resolve some issues...
Correct. I haven't removed the pressure cap. I was concerned that it might not seal properly after having been removed. It hasn't been removed in a while. I'm also reluctant to open the system bleeder valve for fear of not being able to seal it up properly.
"to begin with"? As in, before checking the level in the radiator? Yes, that's the tentative plan. As others have mentioned, having the correct level in the overflow bottle doesn't guarantee an air-free system. Are you suggesting that filling the overflow bottle alone should resolve the problem, without opening the pressure cap?
I'm trying to address this the best way possible, so I asked here for help.I’m lacking an understanding of why you wouldn’t be proactive about it, and since it’s the summer, at least fill between min and max levels with distilled water or ideally, some 50/50 mix.
I'm trying to address this the best way possible, so I asked here for help.