I'd drained the rad and both block drains prior to filling with new coolant today.

I could only pour in about 12L into the expansion tank before it was full to cap and wouldn't go down.

So I ran the engine to operating temp and checked the new t-stat was working ok and no leaks around hoses. All seemed fine and level in expansion tank dropped to just above seam. I had heater and fan full on while she idled.

The engine has now been off for about 30 mins and level still an inch or so above the seam.

Will take her for a long run later but I was expecting to have to fill the full 16L. The front of the car was raised slightly so I could get under to undo and replace the block drains. Would this account for 4L or so still in the block or is it more likely I have a big air bubble somewhere?

Thanks for advice.

Adrian

 

I usually am able to get about 3.5 gallons in which is about 13.2l. So you're close. Drive it around, and then keep an eye on it. You'll probably need to top up in a day or two.

 

Thanks Andrew, that's reassuring. Would be disappointed if 25% of old coolant still in there.

Any idea why it's difficult to fill completely? It was idling at operating temp for some time so everything must be being pumped into nooks and crannies.

Anyway I'll go for a drive and keep an eye.

 

Me, too, at 3.5 gallons. Make sure to fill it and let it cool on a level surface.

Kind of crazy that the overflow tank is at the back on the engine bay and then the lines run towards the front. I've been pretty frustrated trying to fill it during other work as I'd have the front jacked up. That was just enough to mess up the filling.

 

If I poured you a pint of your favourite tipple and set it in front of you, then refilled the one you were drinking from with 20-25% left in the glass. I bet you could not tell one from the other!
I am sure she will need a little more over the next day or two but as long, as temps and levels are correct why worry, all is well!

 

I found the same, and when I discussed this with others who have pulled these engines apart it seems that even when 'completely' drained (radiator bottom hose, both engine block plugs) that quite a lot of coolant is left in lower parts of the block. I managed to get about 13 L into mine after 'complete' draining. If the owner's handbook is right that means 3.5 L was still in the block.

Same with oil - how would you ever sensibly drain the oil from the engine oil cooler and the cooler end of the associated connecting hoses?

 

I had the rad out, all coolant hoses off, the water pump out, water bridge out and block drains out and still didn't get all the coolant out.

Wouldn't worry to much Adrian.............just keep an eye on the level and drive it.

 

Try 'burping' the system by squeezing the upper and lower radiator hoses several times with the cap removed from the expansion tank.

 

yep, thats how you do it!

cap off and cold before warm up.

 

I like to drive my self crazy so I drained everything, filled with water two times ran the car for a day each time then drained. I then added G-05 50/50 distilled water and one bottle of water wetter, make sure it is stirred not shaken for best results.

 

Thanks for all advice/experience. Needed another 0.5 litre or so this morning to bring it back to level.