Can there be too much coolant??

Question

The maximum mark... Is there much point in this? My mate has filled his right up to near the neck of the tank, is there any negative impacts in doing this?

Answer 1

The radiator should be filled to the point where the radiator cap seals in the radiator tank neck, which is just below where the overflow reservoir hose connects. The reservoir should be filled to the cold full mark. When the engine coolant becomes hot, it expands and forces open the pressure valve in the radiator cap and flows into the reservoir. As the engine cools it creates a vacuum and sucks the coolant from the reservoir back into the radaitor. If the reservoir is too full when the coolant expands, the excess will simply spill out as you drive.
Also the coolant, unless purchased already mixed, should be mixed with water 50/50. Straight coolant will cause the engine to run hot because water actually displaces heat better than coolant. But coolant boils at a higher temperature and freezes at a lower temperature than pure water thus the need to mix it 50/50.

Answer 2

yes there are nagatives but none that are detrimental to the automobile, for instance, filled with straight coolant and no water makes the engine run cooler than factory specs. you will not obtain the optimum fuel efficiancey, you will use more fuel per mile then if you ran a 50/50 mixture. (50%water/50%coolant)

Answer 3

No, If you put in too much coolant, it will spill out the overflow on the expansion / recovery tank.

Coolant, Ethylene Glycol, is poisonous to animals. It has a sweet smell and taste. Rinse down any overflow spills to prevent your pets from being poisoned.

Answer 4

if you do that when it is cold it will puke the excess out when it gets hot......giving you a steam bath but as far as hurting something no it wont hurt anything...just look like it is leaking....when it pukes the excess out.

Answer 5

Messy, not dangerous.