Coolant Level

[chalky]

Hi,

As you may remember I just had my water pump replaced. When I picked it up the coolant level looked high. It has been standing for two days, so nice and cold, and the coolant level has returned down to the 'full' level line. Just driven it to the shops and back, so warm, and the level has risen again. Is a fluctuating coolant level normal?

If not, could this be air still in the system? If so, how dangerous is this.

Kirsty, if you're reading, that strange noise I had after all that work, was a a badly fitted vacume hose bracket on top of cam belt cover. He moved it down and all the probelms and noises went away. I was very relievd to say the least.

Regards

Joel

[missfixit70]

Water expands & contracts, a degree of fluctuation is normal. when you stop after a run, feel the big hose going into the rad, does it feel really pressurised or does it giv a bit? if you take the pressure cap off (carefully of course, wearing gloves, crack itopen gently) you should get a bit of pressure released but if it chuck water out you've got a problem.

[chalky]

Hi,

The run was short, 1 mile, but no extra pressure on that hose and small puff of pressure when removing the cap. Will test it tomorrow as I guess you recommend a longer run than that.

[missfixit70]

Yup I'd give it a good run, have you got any modification to the temp gauge or temperature/coolant alarms so you can see if you've got any issues?

[chalky]

No, but seriously thinking about it. I think when I've got the money I'll invest. That said, I am taking the van to Germany on Wednesday and no time to do anything about it. Other than looking at the temp guage while I'm driving is there anything else I can check on the way to make sure its not over heating?

[haydn callow]

The temp gauge will give you little or no warning.....

the coolant level in the tank should be on the FULL line when cold.
When it is hot you can expect it to be approx 1.5cm above the line.

[missfixit70]

Looking at the temp gauge won't do you a lot of good I'm afraid as it's dumbed down so it stays at 11 0clock until its already overheating, hence the question about mods. All you need is a 100 or 110 ohm resistor & an hour or two with these instructions - http://www.enginesaver.com.au/Tempgauge.pdf & it'll tell you sumat vaguely useful.

[chalky]

thanks guys.