Can any of you see how much antifreeze is in that radiator overflow tank without opening it?
As some of you know, I had some overheating issues while returning home from Flagstaff. All was going just fine until about the last 5 – 10 miles from Palm Spring when the engine temperature started going up.
After checking in at our Palm Spring Resort Saturday afternoon, we took a look at the overflow tank and couldn’t tell if it was empty or what without opening it. In looking down that little opening, the tank looked empty.
Later Sunday afternoon, we headed over to the local auto part store and purchase the recommended antifreeze. While slowly pouring in the antifreeze, we couldn’t tell how much we need to add from eyeing that outside marker on the side that says something along the lines of filling to here when cold.
Anyway, we ended up filling that overflow tank up full with about 30 – 36 oz. of 50/50 water & antifreeze.
The drive home this AM was uneventful … in other words, no overheating problems. However, two or three times we could smell the antifreeze so guess I better take my SSR to the dealer for some extended warranty check up.
My SSR: 05 6 speed black has a K&N cold air kit descreened and Diablo tuner & Eric's hood
Have them check the water pump. The one on mine would smell but couldn't see it leaking. I took a mirror and light and I could see a stain and had it replaced under warranty.
__________________ 2008 FLHRSE4 Harley
2001 Harley Heritage
2001 WS6 Trans Am
RRR... definitely read the book or let the agency look at it.
My water pump leaked at 1400m. But it was just enough to create an odor. Was not losing fluid.
We had a simmler problem. We had to add coolant acouple of times even though we couldn't find a leak, then one day the water pump went and blew coolent all over the engine and hood.
My SSR: "Rev'in Mr. Black" 1995 Impala SS - black with a 383 stroker motor
The easiest way to check the fluid in the overflow tank is to squeeze the upper radiator hose this will make the fluid in the tank move so you can see it. Obviuosly its best to do this cold.
My SSR: "Babe" '06 Pacific Blue/Chrome/6pd #22407, born 10/14/'05, and #21393, died 2/16/'07.
Check the water pump. If you can smell it, it is leaking. Mine had just a faint green trickle stain on the block, and everything else looked just fine,. It was a bad pump at the beginning of a total failure, and I was lucky...
My SSR: 05 6 sp. with 4.56 gears, ZR1 clutch, Edelbrock intake, Lunati cam, Crane rockers, C6 modified pan
If you shine a bright flashlight up against the corner of the tank, you can see the fluid slightly. I usually throw a towel over the tank to keep it in shadows and the fluid seems to reflect the light where the air space appears dark. If you move the car slightly, or as Poppa suggested squeeze the hose, you can detect some fluid movement. In looking inside the tank the fluid should be above the parting line, where the two tank halves are joined.
__________________
Veterans - all gave some and some gave all!
Hello Jeff: I painted my overflow tank with wrinkle black paint to show off the chrome bling etc. I have to remove the cap and use a flash light,when cold,stick my index finger or a pencil,popcycle stick,measuring from the top of the surface neck of the tank to the antifreeze level on mine is always 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches,you don't want to fill to the brim,it needs air for heat expansion etc. If you over fill you should be getting antifreeze dripping out of the over flow tube. If no wetness from overflow tube,you must have a leak elsewhere then,IMO.Hope you get it resolved soon,I know how it bugs us when things aren't in sync! Take care.
My SSR: "Babe" '06 Pacific Blue/Chrome/6pd #22407, born 10/14/'05, and #21393, died 2/16/'07.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HALSSSR
Hello Jeff: I painted my overflow tank with wrinkle black paint to show off the chrome bling etc. I have to remove the cap and use a flash light,when cold,stick my index finger or a pencil,popcycle stick,measuring from the top of the surface neck of the tank to the antifreeze level on mine is always 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches,you don't want to fill to the brim,it needs air for heat expansion etc. If you over fill you should be getting antifreeze dripping out of the over flow tube. If no wetness from overflow tube,you must have a leak elsewhere then,IMO.Hope you get it resolved soon,I know how it bugs us when things aren't in sync! Take care.
Good point about leaving/needing room for heat expansion of antifreeze.
You need an answer as to why you overheated to begin with.
Both fans appears to be working fine.
Thermostat is questionable.
Remember, you've got to have full load of the required amount of antifreeze, otherwise the coolant system isn't working effectively.
Both fans appears to be working fine.
Thermostat is questionable.
Remember, you've got to have full load of the required amount of antifreeze, otherwise the coolant system isn't working effectively.
At what point does it overheat. As soon as it warms up?
At what point does it overheat. As soon as it warms up?
No, It ran nearly all day from Prescott to Palm Spring without any problems. Last 5 - 10 miles of freeway driving then started heating up.
After adding 30 - 36 oz of antifreeze, it ran flawless for the last 160 miles home.
My saturn did this for 3 months. A week or so, then add coolant.
When I finally put it on the rack, I saw the little dribble path out of the weep hole. So to keep from letting it leave me somewhere, did the waterpump replace.
My saturn did this for 3 months. A week or so, then add coolant.
When I finally put it on the rack, I saw the little dribble path out of the weep hole. So to keep from letting it leave me somewhere, did the waterpump replace.
My SSR: 05 6 sp. with 4.56 gears, ZR1 clutch, Edelbrock intake, Lunati cam, Crane rockers, C6 modified pan
One other area to check is the HVAC drain tube. It protrudes through the firewall behind the Pass. side cylinder head. I actually had a heater core fail and the coolant poured out of that tube, but not a drop entered the cab - though the smell was present. They did a nice engineering job in that regard. I think I'm the only one to have that issue so far.
__________________
Veterans - all gave some and some gave all!
JEFF....... Have some one strong tighten the cap it takes many turns to get it tight. Mine has been lose a few times .After you think it is tight turn some more .
Well .... Took my SSR to the dealer this AM.
Now I set and wait for the call.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about leaving my SSR in the hands of someone I don't know.
My SSR: "Rev'in Mr. Black" 1995 Impala SS - black with a 383 stroker motor
Quote:
Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN
Well .... Took my SSR to the dealer this AM.
Now I set and wait for the call.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about leaving my SSR in the hands of someone I don't know.
Before we Know the answer my vote is for the water pump
Make sure the Overflow Tank itself is not leaking. I bought a brand new one from GM and had it painted. It leaked at the seam from the first time I put it on the truck. Bought another one and painted it using the same paint and process. It has not leaked at all.
Home now....
Here what the sheet says: Pressure test cooling system. Holds 15 psi.
Pressure test cap - holds 15 psi.
Visual inspection - no evidence of coolant leak.
Check thermostat operation - erratic opening.
Replace thermostat.
Cooling fans operational.
Test drive - OK at this time
Parts
12600172 Inlet 1.073
12346290 Coolant 8.800
Total $239.17
(I've got zero deductible so it didn't cost me a dime).
My SSR: "Babe" '06 Pacific Blue/Chrome/6pd #22407, born 10/14/'05, and #21393, died 2/16/'07.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN
Home now....
Here what the sheet says: Pressure test cooling system. Holds 15 psi.
Pressure test cap - holds 15 psi.
Visual inspection - no evidence of coolant leak.
Check thermostat operation - erratic opening.
Replace thermostat.
Cooling fans operational.
Test drive - OK at this time
Parts
12600172 Inlet 1.073
12346290 Coolant 8.800
Total $239.17
(I've got zero deductible so it didn't cost me a dime).
Good to know. I have an extra thermostat, but my water pump has failed twice. Go figure.
Curious to how it behaves. If the thermostat was stuck closed it would have constantly overheated...you would not have made it home. You added antifreeze and everything was ok and did not have problem. I don't think it's the thermostat.......just my guess.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
2008 FLHRSE4 Harley
VIVA DE FUNK
Water Pump
Linear Mode
