Water/Coolant level

[gus3500s]

Hi Guys,

Another quickie.What should the standard coolant level be in the radiator for a V8S.Mine seem's to drop about 2-3inch from the cap once run for a while,although iam aware of one of my heater hoses leaking slightly.After a really warm run the coolant will run out the overflow,but the Heater works fine,etc,anything to worry about?

Cheers.

Gus

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

Hello Gus,

When cold, the coolant level should typically be not more than 1" below the bottom of the radiator filler neck. When you start the engine the level may well drop, so let the engine idle for a few minutes, then lift revs to approx 1200 and top up with coolant to base of the filler neck.

There can be numerous reasons for coolant loss, some are not serious while others most certainly can be.

Once you have corrected the coolant loss from your heater hoses, keep an eye on the coolant level. After a run with the engine off, have a look after 10 mins or so and see if any coolant has run out of the radiator overflow. This could be down to the cap not sealing properly or possibly the spring within not holding the pressure. If after cleaning and or replacing the cap the problem continues, then you will have to look elsewhere.

I had a coolant loss problem in my now replaced 3.5 litre engine some ten years ago that turned out to be a head gasket failure. The combustion gases pressurise the cooling system resulting in an on going coolant loss problem. Luckily for me the coolant was not getting into the engine!

The coolant level will always change slowly over time, evaporation, little drips from the overflow, but the level should not fall much below the 1" from the base of the filler neck within 6 months or so.

Ron.

 

[The Rovering Member]

Hmm. TBH I don't think I've ever owned a car which retains the coolant that well over a six month period. I tend to fit expasion tanks now as all the cars need permanent anti-freeze so replacing it costs money. Our 110 never seems to have any in the expansion tank (only runs at 4lb) but still needs fairly regular topping up.