Coolant change - can't get enough back into rad

[jwmacleo]

Hey, I'm in the middle of changing my coolant in my 2005 Honda CRV. I drained from the petcock plug at the bottom of the rad. Towards the end of the drain, I opened the radiator cap on the top (mistake?). The reservoir is mostly empty, and I haven't found a good way to empty the rest so I'm leaving it there. When refilling, it took only about a litre (quart) or two, and then overflowed from the top rad cap. My understanding is that it should take something like 4-5 liters. I assume there is a big air bubble in there that isn't moving. Any thoughts about how I can fix this?

I've tried draining a bit more from the petcock with the top rad cap open and it doesn't seem to allow me to add more. I've also tried filling with the hose to the reservoir disconnected from the top of the rad. Again, didn't make a difference.

I imagine turning it on with the rad cap loose would get things moving around, but I don't want to damage anything with too little fluid in there.

 

[jwmacleo]

I don't have pressurized air

 

[Drew99GT]

The radiator only holds about 30 to 40% of the coolant in an automotive cooling system; the rest is in the engine block, heater core, cylinder heads etc.

To get the rest out, there is a block drain on the engine block somewhere, but if you just want to get it up and running again, close the drain on the radiator and simply refill it. Having the overflow tank cap off, or the hose to the overflow disconnected, won't make any difference. Reinstall that hose, refill the system until it's full, put the pressurized cap back on the radiator. If the overflow tank is low, refill it to the cold line. Then start the engine with the heater on and allow it to come up to temperature. Then let it cool off till it's completely cold, and open the cap on the radiator and make sure the system is fill. Like you said, it can get air in it that burps out through the overflow.

 

[LeakySeals]

The reservoir either snaps right off, or unbolts. That should be taken off and cleaned, tons of contaminants are in there. Opening the cap is right during a drain, relieves pressure. No way it can only take a quart or 2, should be close to a gallon. You sure it was done draining? Petcock got clogged? Measure what came out. To clarify, when you added till it overflowed the engine wasn't running right? The radiator itself is bigger than 2 qts. Can't be an air bubble in the radiator, the cap is open. Possibly a hose, but that would be very small.

 

[jwmacleo]

Hey, it looks like about 5L of coolant came out. Including the reservoir fill up, only about 3L went in. Running it now to get it warmed up. Honda says wait until the fan comes on twice, while leaving the rad cap only partially tightened (I assume so that air can escape). I'll see if it takes more then once heated and cooled. Reservoir is full again, so I assume the system can pull fluid from there if needed.

Yes, I would have liked to clean the reservoir, but the [censored] thing is near impossible to get out. There is just no room. I guess there is some way to do it, but I'm not sure what it is.

I actually have an appointment to get the coolant changed professionally tomorrow (by a garage that specializes in Honda). I was trying to get it done myself to avoid paying someone else...

I might just them to go a head and do it again, hopefully the right way, whatever that is.

 

[jwmacleo]

Sorry, missed a few items in my reply. I'm pretty sure it was done draining. About 5L came out, and that is what I expected based on the info I've found online about this vehicle. I took the petcock right out, so I assume there wasn't a clog.

 

[jwmacleo]

Ok, I left the CRV running for a few moments, and the temp gauge when right up to the red ( I wasn't watching closely enough). Also, I had the heat on max, but no hot air was blowing.

Any thoughts?

 

[JamesBond]

Just fill the radiator, let it settle for 15 min. then top off again until you get most of it in.

You can also put the cap on and squeeze all the hoses to move the air around.

Don't forget to set the heater setting to its max temp.

 

[EType]

Originally Posted By: jwmacleo
Ok, I left the CRV running for a few moments, and the temp gauge when right up to the red ( I wasn't watching closely enough). Also, I had the heat on max, but no hot air was blowing.

Any thoughts?



Houston, we have a problem.

 

[Chris142]

Any bleeders?

 

[jwmacleo]

I've read there are no bleeders, and the system "burps" itself.

 

[ram_man]

If no bleeder there is a good chance you can remove the temp sensor and pour fluid in until it comes out in a steady stream. Worked like a charm for my civic.

 

[LeakySeals]

Alright. Let it cool for a while. When its cool take the radiator cap back off. Top it off again if possible. Now start the engine with the cap off in your hand ready to go. If there's any room, add more. Keep watching, its gonna rise fast now that the engines running. When its just about to overflow, quickly put the cap on. Keep it running and watch. That should help get any air out. May have to repeat that once or twice.

 

[LeakySeals]

Watch the temp gauge. If it goes beyond the normal level turn it off before it gets too hot and repeat. Don't let it get as hot as before.

 

[The Critic]

Overflow has a clip, it should be towards the upper/left corner.

Fire the car up, turn the heat on max temp & fan, then turn off the heat, and allow it to run for 20 min with the cap OFF. Once the t-stat opens, you should be able to fill the rest.

 

[jwmacleo]

Originally Posted By: ram_man
If no bleeder there is a good chance you can remove the temp sensor and pour fluid in until it comes out in a steady stream. Worked like a charm for my civic.


I'm not sure where the temp sensor is. If I find it, do you mean pour coolant in the rad until fluid comes out the temp sensor hole?

 

[jwmacleo]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Alright. Let it cool for a while. When its cool take the radiator cap back off. Top it off again if possible. Now start the engine with the cap off in your hand ready to go. If there's any room, add more. Keep watching, its gonna rise fast now that the engines running. When its just about to overflow, quickly put the cap on. Keep it running and watch. That should help get any air out. May have to repeat that once or twice.


I'll give it a shot. At this point I'm just trying to avoid a tow.

 

[jwmacleo]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Overflow has a clip, it should be towards the upper/left corner.

Fire the car up, turn the heat on max temp & fan, then turn off the heat, and allow it to run for 20 min with the cap OFF. Once the t-stat opens, you should be able to fill the rest.


So, coolant won't be constantly forced out the rad if I do this?

If I run for 20mins, won't it overheat again?

 

[EType]

To those giving him advice, did you not read the post where he said it overheated and no hot air came from the heating?

Doesn't that suggest some sort of blockage?

 

[jwmacleo]

Originally Posted By: EType
To those giving him advice, did you not read the post where he said it overheated and no hot air came from the heating?

Doesn't that suggest some sort of blockage?


Yeah, maybe I should just get this looked at by someone.