Missing Coolant

[Koukandowie Brangus]

Ok i changed the coolant yesterday, let it all drain out, flushed it with a hose for a few hours, then went to fill it and it only took 6 litres?? i thought it should hold 13? so where is all the old coolant hiding and how do i get it out???

[Phoenix]

Air in the system, turn the engine over a bit to let some of the air out. You can also disconnect one of the top hoses to let air out as well.

[Koukandowie Brangus]

ran the engine for an hour, coolant level didn't change, so i reckon its full, but has the old coolant still in it, should it all drain from the bottom plug???

[cookiesa]

Not sure with the TD5, this doesn't apply to 2 or 300 Tdi's but most cars the heater tap needs to be turned on to drain the heater core and hoses. Not so with the 300Tdi or 200Tdi but sure someone here will know!

[ladas]

I have noticed that coolant/water gets trapped in the heater core, when I do a drain down I disconnect the heater hoses.

Also you may still have an air lock in the system. Did you raise the level of the expansion tank, with the bleed screw open, when you filled it back up.

[Koukandowie Brangus]

Yep i had the bleed screw off and felled it up till it pored out the bleed screw. i even had the heatrer switch on so i thought it would drain. would th heater hold 6 litres though??

[crump]

had the same thing happen when I did mine, I assume you didnt get 13litres when you drained it either. I presume that the rest stays in the block even when you flush, the flushing agent ie water stays there afterwards.Since then driving around i've had to top it up half a litre, go figure!!! Just keep an eye on your temp guage to be sure.

[cookiesa]

Be careful though if it is an air lock temp gauge may look fine but engine is cooking. (Temp gauges need, and are designed to work submerged in coolant/water)

[crump]

so if you did have an airlock how would you go about getting rid of it??? Remove the bleed and start the engine???

[cookiesa]

Not sure on the V8... Will have to look when I get home in the Haynes book

[Koukandowie Brangus]

TD5'S Mate

[LandyAndy]

In the book of words it says cooling system capacity 13L,coolant change 6L.A good reason to run water for a day or so with several flushes.Must be held in the climate control system????
I wouldnt deliberately run an alloy head turbo diesel with no water for ANY amount of time,WAY TOO RISKY.
Andrew

[cookiesa]

Sorry, Been working on BAS statements and just logged in.... Sorry forgot my book only covers up to the 300Tdi.....

Someone on here must be able to help with draining and flushing a TD5 or is everyone charging for this sort of info now????

[crump]

it was covered here,
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php't=34453&page=3

but I'd just like to know where the rest of the coolant or flushing agent sits.

[cookiesa]

It's an interesting point... Where is it??????????

(Thanks for posting the link... Where have all the members who are quick to help others out gone?)

[crump]

they havnt got TD5s so their out driving them, not sitting at home terrified to start the engine.:eek: :D

[DEFENDERZOOK]

Someone on here must be able to help with draining and flushing a TD5 or is everyone charging for this sort of info now????






as crump said...its in the other thread.....the one listed below......







it was covered here,
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php't=34453&page=3

but I'd just like to know where the rest of the coolant or flushing agent sits.






the block wont all drain out unless you take the head off and turn it upside down......

it doesnt matter though.....as you have flushed out all the old coolant......and should have only water in there......

since you know the system should take 13litres total......and you know how much coolant you need.......approx. 6.5 litres......
just add the 6.5 litres of coolant concentrate and top up with water.......the final ratio will be as required......

do not premix the coolant and add it already diluted.......as the water already in the engine will dilute further.........
and ....since its now full...you wont have any room left to add any more concentrate to correct the ratio.......


cabbish.....?

[crump]

as crump said...its in the other thread.....the one listed below......













the block wont all drain out unless you take the head off and turn it upside down......

it doesnt matter though.....as you have flushed out all the old coolant......and should have only water in there......

since you know the system should take 13litres total......and you know how much coolant you need.......approx. 6.5 litres......
just add the 6.5 litres of coolant concentrate and top up with water.......the final ratio will be as required......

do not premix the coolant and add it already diluted.......as the water already in the engine will dilute further.........
and ....since its now full...you wont have any room left to add any more concentrate to correct the ratio.......


cabbish.....?

thank christ you turned up, now I am at ease, I owe you one.:D

[DEFENDERZOOK]

no stress.....


once you have filled it up......start the engine and let it run whilst you are topping it up.......

i like to give the engine a few revs to really get the water pump pumping.....this helps speed up the flow and flush out any air.......


if...during any of this....you start to get steam and bubbles......shut down the engine......IMMEDIATELY......as this indicates an airlock......

the coolant is not flowing and is simply boiling......allow to cool down....top up the level and try again.....

after the engine has been idling for a few minutes and got some heat in it.......and you are happy that there is no airlock......
take it for a run and get it up to normal operating temp.....this will get the thermostat to open.....
and the higher revs will help bleed any air up to the expansion tank......

it also would hurt to CAREFULLY open the bleed screw a bit and see if there is any air trapped in there whilst there is still some pressure in the system......
ie......before it cools down fully.....



once cooled......recheck the level.......only when you are happy that all is well and bled should you turn off the heater........
the heater is what catches people out........as it has an on/off tap which allows or prevents coolant flow through it......
it can also hold air.....which can be released as soon as you use the heater....which could cause an airlock.........

[cookiesa]

Onya DefenderZook!

[4bee]

You can buy Test strips to check the concentration of the coolant. I can for Castrol Antifreeze-Antiboil but I don't think they are brand specific. Gives 2 readings.

Maybe there are others for different coolants.