colebags

iTrader: (2)

just had a new radiator fitted to my car the mechanic said just check the levels in a day or soas levels will go down so checked today and header tank was empty is that right levels were fine before radiator change

classicgc8

iTrader: (4)

yes quite possible mate,id suggest you topup with coolant and monitor for next couple of days

motofox

iTrader: (1)

you can expect to be topping up for a while,keep a close eye on it cuz ya dont want any airlocks

colebags

iTrader: (2)

ok thanks for your help guys

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Top up when cold at metal filler cap.

DO try to use same as mechanic used at same concentration, NOT just water.

Jonnys3

Hi folks, sorry to raise a thread from the grave, but I too have just had a new radiator fitted and coolant (from the plastic bottle at the side of the radiator) is disappearing at a rapid rate... ie full yesterday, empty today. Is this to be expected and do I just keep refilling until it remains at a constant level?

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Check the header tank. It has a metal lid, to the left of the engine bay as your looking at it from the front.

Jonnys3

Just checked header tank and it is full.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

It's fine then.
Just keep an eye on the header tank level over the next few days. The plastic bottle is an overflow.

Jonnys3

Thanks Matty.

Can you explain what the purpose of the overflow is and why coolant would be disappearing from it in such a manner?

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

It's probably got a hole in the bottom of the bottle mate. Mines bone dry so wouldn't worry..
Just make sure your header tank is topped up and be sure to keep an eye on the level over the next few days.

Scooby Dooney Doo

iTrader: (2)

The overflow works on a two way basis, firstly if the system is too low it will extract fluid from it to add to the system, second if it's too high it will over flow in to this bottle, keep it filled to the correct level, it has a min / max level on it for a reason

Jonnys3

Thanks guys, will keep an eye on it over the next few days.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

What is it with these "mechanics" who fit rads to Scoobs, BUT DON'T GET THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF COOLANT IN?

If you're doing the job, find out how it's done and DO IT PROPERLY!

When I chnaged my rad, I filled up and have never had to add any since.

Jonnys3

Well I refilled the overflow tank before going to bed last night, and on checking this morning there was no loss from the overflow tank and the header tank was fine.

Will let you know how I get on when checking before leaving work.