Does it matter if the radiator hose sucks in any air from the coolant reservoir?

Question

I had a leaking coolant reservoir, so I replaced it with a lidded kitchen container. The coolant now splashes around alot because the kitchen container doesn't get deep and narrow at the bottom like proper coolant reservoirs. I'm sure it must suck in air when I go around a corner or over bumps.

Answer 1

It will only matter in that it will take longer to suck in fluid to cool the engine when the enginge thermostat opens up at operating temperature. Here is the key :

When your driving, the coolant gets hot, which will expand, 'pushing' water into the container.

When your parked, the coolant will cool, which will 'vacuum' coolant back into the radiator from the container.

So, you should not have any worries. Be sure to monitor the coolant leves to ensure that you at least have enough room for both expansion, and Coolant to be drawn in during cooling.

-JimR

Answer 2

Be sure the top cover has a small vent hole drilled in it. NAPA has inexpensive coolant recovery tanks that are shaped so that the exchange hole is at the bottom and the tank is fairly narrow and tall. You will see that the cover for the tank is vented to atmosphere. JC Whitney has fits- all reservoirs also. You could visit an auto re-cycling yard and find an exact replacement.

For now try this: If there's enough clearance use a 1/2 gallon plastic milk bottle. Secure the bottle with a worm drive hose clamp around the milk bottle handle to anything near by. Buy enough hose so you can run it from the outlet under the radiator cap down through the top of the milk bottle till it touches the bottom. Fill the bottle 3/4 full of 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water.

Answer 3

if the in-take pipe from reservior to radiator connection is down into the coolant fluid far enough, your radiator will suck in only the fluid and "blow back" any air in system by Vacuum into the reservoir after the motor is shut-down, that is why you should NEVER fill reservoirs to the absolute top AND why your factory manufactured coolant reservoir has a Vent Hole in the TOP , to release any Pressure! Make sure you fit a correct re-placement as soon as possible...here in Aust. , make-shift repairs (bush mechanics , it`s called) can get you out-of-trouble safely enough to get to a repairer or mechanic , but don`t rely TOO long on a temporary FIX , or it could COST more , later! If you ARE experiencing Air getting into your cooling system , you may have OTHER problems , which will need to be diagnosed by a Qualified mechanic...Good Luck

Answer 4

The radiator doesn't suck anything from the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot...only when it cools down, and most of the time the cars isn't moving when the engine is cooling down>

Answer 5

A replacement reservoir shouldnt be that much at a dealership. I'd replace what you have with one. Having air bubbles in your cooling system means you're not cooling as effectively and with enough air you could end up really damaging your engine costing yourself thousands of dollars instead. I'd pay the fee for the correct reservoir. Not doing so would be "penny wise, pound foolish."