I just changed the radiator on my 1998 Chevy Malibu, it only took about 1 1/2 gallons of coolant, and the dashboard warning light saying the water level is low won't go off. I let it idle for about 30 minutes and it got pretty hot. I was thinking there might be air pressure built up which is not letting the water flow into the engine. Is there some kind of valve to bleed out the air pressure?
2007-02-16 12:40:06 · 6 answers · asked by 88kidd 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
its called a vapor lock [air]get it hot shut it down with a rag open cap to first stage it has two stages. you will hear the air come out feel top hose is it soft take cap off top off coolant squeeze bottom hose till you see no air bubbles put cap back on heat up till fans come on. repeat tap sens it should go out
2007-02-16 13:27:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In changing your radiator and refilling it, there is most likely an air bubble or several in the cooling system. Start with a cool engine, with the radiator cap off, start the car up. (have a good sized pan under the front of the car to catch any spillage) Allow the car to start to come to its operating temperature, and keep looking at the coolant level...(but NOT with your face directly over the radiator cap opening!!!!!) When you see it lower, add a touch more coolant. You may need to rev the engine in very short bursts to help send surges of coolant thru the system to chase out the air pockets. In extreme events, you may have to redrain the radiator, and do this slowly again to get the fluid thru everything. Dont forget to inspect the overflow tank as well and make sure it is at the correct level.
Use care to not totally overheat the engine... keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
Good luck.
2007-02-16 13:01:24 · answer #2 · answered by Unforgiven Shadow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The coolant level sensor is in the reservoir. Sometimes it sticks and the light stays on. Just hit on it a few times and the light should go out.
2007-02-16 12:45:40 · answer #3 · answered by TonynNC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your thermostat is bad, try changing it , the thermostat housing is on the other end of the upper hose, if there is a bleed valve it would be located on that housing. if you don't already know, the thermostat is under that housing
2007-02-16 13:21:14 · answer #4 · answered by shefixescars 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you replace the thermostat valve as well? It may be stuck closed. Does the water pump function?
2007-02-16 12:44:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this..... take off your radiator cap, start your vehicle...let it warm up.... add coolant until it is full... replace radiator cap... shut off car.... it should be full then.
2007-02-16 12:45:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋