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Tech Area => General Buick Tech => Topic started by: TUFBUICK on July 20 2014, 06:31:41 PM

Title: Radiator fluid level ?
Post by: TUFBUICK on July 20 2014, 06:31:41 PM: I've installed a new repro aluminum radiator in my Grand National from Alradco.

I filled the system after the thermostat opened with the heater on high. All my hoses and fittinsg are secure and don't leak.

After closing a filled system (to the top of the neck) with the overflow tank at the proper level, I took it for a 1 hour ride After cool down I took the radiator cap off and noticed it was about an inch down on fluid.

My question is.....what is the normal fluid level supposed to be in the radiator after use.....right to the top of the neck as filled or down a bit ?

Thanks !
Title: Re: Radiator fluid level ?
Post by: Steve Wood on July 20 2014, 07:17:04 PM: Sounds like it had the normal amount of air in the system. After driving, it has been pushed to the radiator. Assuming you are using a coolant recovery tank, the radiator should be full to the brim and the tank should be filled to the cool mark.
Title: Re: Radiator fluid level ?
Post by: earlbrown on July 20 2014, 10:57:47 PM: It might take a few thermal cycles to burp out all the air.
Title: Re: Radiator fluid level ?
Post by: SuperSix on July 23 2014, 05:12:03 PM: Quote from: earlbrown on July 20 2014, 10:57:47 PM
It might take a few thermal cycles to burp out all the air.

This.
Title: Re: Radiator fluid level ?
Post by: dyermullet on July 24 2014, 10:02:57 PM: The above replies are correct. The air will work itself out through the overflow and be replaced by the coolant in the overflow when the car cools parked after running. To speed up the process drive, it let it cool (don't open radiator when hot, rad cap should be cool to touch), then top off the radiator directly. Possibly repeat a second time depending on how much air was left trapped in the system. :cheers: