Need support. Just found out my radiator is leaking

[iboughtatahoe23]

Radiators in got it idling now all the air is purged… Just waiting for the thermostat to open and then top it off and take it for a drive!

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Got a little too excited… Started overheating not sure why. I filled it out to the full one cold line before starting it there’s no leaks, it was going good. It got up to operating temperature than the fans kicked on, and I came back to look at the temp gauge once more and it was overheating.

 

[15burban]

Were both of the radiator hoses hot to the touch or was one noticeably cooler then the other?

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Were both of the radiator hoses hot to the touch or was one noticeably cooler then the other?

I just checked the top hose. It was hot maybe not the one that is on the passenger side bottom. Think I tried to squeeze it a few times. The one I drained the coolant from

 

[Doubeleive]

Rock the truck left/right a bunch of times, Jack the front up a little bit, shake it again left right, check the level, make sure the fans are plugged in, start it up and turn the heater on full blast and let it idle up to operating temp, when the thermostat cycles, fill the tank again.. if it idles at normal temp and the tank is full put the cap on and drive it spirited while driving make quick left right turns/swurves several times. Like you are driving a obstacle course. Then stop and recheck the tank level, top off if necessary. Then you should be golden

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Rock the truck left/right a bunch of times, Jack the front up a little bit, shake it again left right, check the level, make sure the fans are plugged in, start it up and turn the heater on full blast and let it idle up to operating temp, when the thermostat cycles, fill the tank again.. if it idles at normal temp and the tank is full put the cap on and drive it spirited while driving make quick left right turns/swurves several times. Like you are driving an obstacle course. Then stop and recheck the tank level, top off if necessary. Then you should be golden

Haha like get on the side steps and rock it? At what point do you jack it up? Do u do it while it’s started. How do I know the coolant level if truck not level. Probably overthinking it.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

This is the coolant I used. Ready to use. One of these. It took two gallons all together. I imagine bc there’s some in the block and pump?

Initially, after replacing the radiator unit I had everything hooked back up, counted my hoses double checked my connections. I filled up the reservoir to full when cold, started it, and than right away it burped some bubbles and sucked the coolant down right away. So I was quick as I could be without splashing the coolant everywhere (poured slow into a funnel that i set in the reservoir) mind you I was by myself didn’t have anyone watching the temp gauge. Everything was going fine… top hose was hot and than the fans kicked on. I’m like that’s good right? They were consistent and not kicking on and off. It’s about 32°f outside as well. And than I looked at the temp gauge and it was just halfway reaching tHat three quarter mark


I also was lightly squeezing the hose here and there. I didn’t see anymore bubbles. I did have the cap off. Once the thermostat went on it seemed like the coolant just expanded? I was expecting it to suck MORE down when the thermostat opens? Not expand.

 

[15burban]

The coolant will expand thats why the cold fill mark on the reservoir is not at the very top of the tank.

I forgot to mention before and like @Doubeleive said have the heater on full blast while burping the system. You probably just have a stubborn air pocket that needs some "help" getting out of there.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

The coolant will expand thats why the cold fill mark on the reservoir is not at the very top of the tank.

I forgot to mention before and like @Doubeleive said have the heater on full blast while burping the system. You probably just have a stubborn air pocket that needs some "help" getting out of there.

My dad is telling me just top it off this morning. Take it for a drive and he bets it’s fine… lol

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

The coolant will expand thats why the cold fill mark on the reservoir is not at the very top of the tank.

I forgot to mention before and like @Doubeleive said have the heater on full blast while burping the system. You probably just have a stubborn air pocket that needs some "help" getting out of there.

You don’t think a couple trips around the block and some bumps won’t do it