coolant refill method

[jvandyke]

What's the best method for refilling a GT with coolant?

[baronbors]

I find the hole on top of the radiator works well for this- I have tried the carb and the oil spout but the radiator really worked the best for me

[coolchrisp]

just a funnel should work fine, unless you have a steady hand..then just pour away!

[gr_diver]

If your car has a mechanical water valve for the heater core, remember to turn this to the HOT position before filling.

I've also heard that having the car on slightly inclined terrain (nose higher) while filling makes the possibility of creating air-pockets minimal, because the highest point of the circuit will be the filler neck... Just a thought though, I don't have a GT so cannot speak for sure about it. It works well for my Ascona, because it has the heater core slightly lower than the filler neck...

[jvandyke]

so fill to you see some in the rad filler neck (not the valve cover cap or carb -smart a$#-), then run the car, cool down, top off repeat?
Yeah, sounds stupid but I'm not the least bit afraid to ask stupid questions.
I field so many "stupid questions" in my field all day, I've earned the right to ask A LOT.

[baronbors]

Originally Posted by jvandyke (not the valve cover cap or carb -smart a$#-), .

Guilty as charged, your Honor

[namba209]

No need to put the radiator cap on during initial filling of the radiator during the engine running. That will keep the system pressurized and the air bubbles can't escape. Leave the cap off, at least a couple of minutes after the thremostat opens up, then shut down and refill as needed. Check the coolant level each day for a week after the engine is run up to temp, that will allow all the little bubbles gather at the top of the radiator.

[yellaopelgt]

Run the car and heater on high. wait for thermostat to open and keep filling, watching for air bubbles to work their way thru the system. Revving the engine slightly will help this process......Actually, I always do a thourough flush of the entire system every year to keep things in good shape. Buy a "kit" from the local auto parts store and do this with the garden hose....Makes life a little easier..
JMTCW
Joe

[baronbors]

I always flush the heater core when I do my once a year backflush too

[Paul]

Another tip is to NEVER use tap water in a cooling system. Only use DISTILLED water. The gunk inside the cooling system is from the minerals and etc in the tap water. The problems will be made worse in communitites with HARD water... (like Findley. OH)

A gallon of distilled is about $0.70 per gallon........ cheap!!!!

[jvandyke]

Thanks guys, the whole process came rushing back to me....I think it's been 22 years or so since I did this. All set. I did use tap water though......

[yellaopelgt]

I've been running all my cars and trucks thru the hose for over 25 years and never had a problem with mineral deposits.... just as long as you do this every year.... I guess you could run a distilled water/anti freeze 50/50 mix thru the system once you've cleaned everything out with the hose. But, I guess the mineral content MIGHT have an effect over many years of neglect?????
Joe

[mschmalenberg]

That comment reminds me of a story. I remember one time my uncle was looking for an engine to replace the one in my cousin's car because it had water in the oil, well a week later he didn't need to replace the engine, because he found out my cousin had put water in the oil fill hole instead of the radiator, my cousin was referred to as Mr. Goof-wrench for years after wards.

[guyopel]

The best tool to use for rad. refills is in the "product review " link , works great to remove air from the sys. and helps stop coolant spills . HTH