How does everyone check there coolant. Do u open the radiator cap or just check the overflow reservoir? I get conflicted opinions from people. Does it matter if the radiator is a little low if the overflow has more fluid than normal? Like if u can't see the fluid in the rad.

 

possible the dumbest answer here.

wouldn't the overflow show how much is in the rad?

if its a normal level then its fine, but if its empty, obviously the level is low because theres not enough to go into the res.

 

^ i do it the same way.

 

no always check fluid from radiator cap if its low fill it, the overflow is just an overflow, yes when fluid gets hot it goes into overflow and when it cools some does return, but when your resevoir is full it doesnt always mean your radiator is, so if radiator is low fill it, there may not be enough vaccum if you have a leak or its low to siphon coolant back to radiator, and how much coolant in radiator is what really matters

 

^ what he said.

 

Good answer thanks

 

your welcome!

 

This makes complete sense, but I've always checked at the bottle.... I've never had problems.

 

well you've been lucky then,lol but be carefull cause if theres ever a problem your gonna regret it!

 

I know full well what the possibilities are if the radiator fails. Let's just say...































KABOOM!!!


lol

 

Yeppers.

This is the way to do it if you have an access cap on your rad. Most newer vehicles today have gone away from the typical rad cap and now the overflow compartment is now where you fill and check.

 

Funny I actually looked at this today, I had fluid in my overflow but was about 1/2 gallon low in the radiator... glad I actually looked but I have no idea where it went. It sat for over a month not touched. have no signs of it in the oil, ( Thats always been my curse with trucks) Havn't looked in there in a few months but this is the first time in 8 years I have had to put anything in it. Still running the factory coolant and it tested fine back in august. Guess I will flush it and refill and replace hoses and thermostat and water pump while I am changing my alternator... Do it once and not worry about it until I get rid of it..