Need support. Just found out my radiator is leaking

[Doubeleive]

Does this apply to me?

I wouldn't worry about that just yet, see what it does first just idling and revving it up to cycle coolant thru

 

[Rocket Man]

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?
View attachment 451299
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.

The entire cooling system holds 19 quarts, or nearly 5 gallons. IIRC when I did radiators both times it took about 3 gallons. I think you need to add more, it should burp and take another gallon or so. I could be wrong but 2 gallons doesn’t seem right. Maybe others can remember what it took them.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

OK, I just got back from my 20 minute drive did not overheat. Here is where the reservoir is at now though I am on a slight slope leaning to the right cause I have to park on the side of the street. Suppose I’ll just keep an eye on it.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

The entire cooling system holds 19 quarts, or nearly 5 gallons. IIRC when I did radiators both times it took about 3 gallons. I think you need to add more, it should burp and take another gallon or so. I could be wrong but 2 gallons doesn’t seem right. Maybe others can remember what it took them.

Well, remember, I think they’re still cooling in the block right I never drained the block

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Yes, but it depends on if your radiator mfr made the hole the right size. Don't worry about it now; wait until the temp settles.

What should I be looking for once the temp settles?

 

[Doubeleive]

View attachment 451319
OK, I just got back from my 20 minute drive did not overheat. Here is where the reservoir is at now though I am on a slight slope leaning to the right cause I have to park on the side of the street. Suppose I’ll just keep an eye on it.

your good to go.....

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

your good to go.....

Cool… I really appreciate everyone help. I really couldn’t have done it without yall.

 

[Doubeleive]

What should I be looking for once the temp settles?

if the temp stays normal, like you reported then no worries

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Hopefully going for a 1/4 thicker core (1.25”) give or take, helps with the cooling with the hot humid summers here in NESD

 

[Doubeleive]

all i can add is, pop the hood each morning for a few days to make sure the leak is addressed, you can also use a flashlight and look down at the hoses and stuff just to be sure everything is dry. If there are no changes then carry on as normal