The coolant level you're reading is not the true coolant level in the system. You're looking at the overflow/surge tank. If coolant heats and expands, it overflows into that tank. Conversely, vacuum as the system cools can pull coolant back into the cooling system from the surge tank if the main system's levels drop.
What I do is this:
When the engine is COLD, open the radiator cap (push down and turn) and fill the coolant to the very brim. Replace the cap. Then top up the surge tank to MAX with fresh coolant. Run the engine for 5-10 minutes and then remove the radiator cap a second time (only if the engine is cool). Top up again as needed. Now your coolant system is full and you have plenty of coolant in the surge tank.
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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z
Last edited by spearfish25; 05-03-2011 at 11:54 AM.
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