Bleeding 3.3L engine coolant the hard/easy way.

[D.J.]

Really appreciate all the feedback and responses.

The Zerek Coolant came in earlier today - will just top off the reservoir and see how that goes.

Probably will fill right before I leave for work in the AM to let the car cooldown from the commute home.



I did not do a google search on this but will entertain one just to satisfy both of our curiosities

I'm curious how much you need to add.

If it's a small qty, I'd say you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Jaymorz]

Thanks for following up DJ

It was just shy of 1 qt. while the car was cold.

Coolant temps remained at the same temperature as previous drives.

Driving to work and back home, the coolant level in the reservoir rose just slightly above the full mark.

 

[D.J.]

Thanks for following up DJ

It was just shy of 1 qt. while the car was cold.

Coolant temps remained at the same temperature as previous drives.

Driving to work and back home, the coolant level in the reservoir rose just slightly above the full mark.

Sounds good.

Nothing to worry about. Just keep an eye on it for the next few tanks of gas to be safe.

 

[djerickd]

Did you get get a lot of bubbles doing this initially? OR is something broken?

 

[Jaymorz]

I saw bubbles when I initially squeezed the upper radiator hose to satisfy the comments from earlier. After 2-3 consecutive squeezes, no more bubbles.

This was seen looking down at the radiator inlet, not the reservoir inlet. No bubbles seen when filling in the reservoir or overflow tank.

Or when starting the car after toping the tank off.

Day #2: So far so good, temps are steady/normal.

 

[bfglitch]

Figured I'd post this in here since it came up in this thread a few times. Checked my coolant level in the reservoir and it was right at the L mark. It was between the two marks a few months ago. Contacted my local dealer via email to see if they had any in stock and they do and their exact words, "Friendly reminder that coolant should be checked when the car is fully warmed up to get an accurate volume in the over flow reservoir and if it’s between low and high no top off needed."

Which goes directly against what the manual says, which says the engine should be cool when checking/filling the reservoir. Honestly, I'm not surprised.

 

[JSolo]

^^You should post the dealer name so folks know to avoid them.

I make sure my res level is at F or slightly above when fully cold.

 

[Rodtheviking]

I check when the engine has "cooled" enough to open the radiator cap without spraying everywhere.

 

[Stiletto]

So, technically you can warm the car up with the radiator cap off. That's the method used to get air bubbles out of older systems.

 

[bfglitch]

^^You should post the dealer name so folks know to avoid them.

I make sure my res level is at F or slightly above when fully cold.

Browns Manassas Kia. Sadly, the one (and only time) I went there for a first oil change they were actually really good. They didn't over fill it, they put it on the lift properly, etc. They were even aware of all the typical issues and checked for them. Oh well.

The funny thing is I don't think I've EVER heard of any manufacturer ever suggesting to check the level when the vehicle is "Fully warmed up". Even the manual suggests checking the levels before the winter season and that the overflow reservoir should be between F and L "when the engine is cool". Now I realize that probably includes "cold" but it certainly doesn't mean "Fully warmed up".

 

[bfglitch]

Hmmm, and all this reminds me. I already have "Pink" coolant I bought a while ago for my Scion xB. The bottle says it's Phosphated OAT suitable for all asian engines using "pink" coolant, which the current coolant in my Stinger looks to be pink. It's Pentosin Pentofrost A4. Although some sites say it's Phosphated OAT / Phosphated HOAT. More Information for PENTOSIN 8115209

From what I can tell, I should be able to use it.

 

[G-677048]

I would say coolant in an overflow tank should always be checked on a cold car. As that is the purpose of the vessel. It is not “full” when the coolant expands. It is “full” based on a safety factor volume of cold coolant TO expand once heated.

That’s like saying measure a less amount of a full cup for a recipe than just up to the line lol

 

[D.J.]

I suspect that approximately nobody is following the recommended maintenance intervals per the owners manual....

 

[Stiletto]

I suspect that approximately nobody is following the recommended maintenance intervals per the owners manual....

View attachment 75720

You're right... I check mine every two weeks.

 

[JSolo]

^^I never check the level in the radiator, but the res is checked at least once a month.

Today I did both, just to see where it's at in the radiator. I'd say it about 3/8" below the cap level in the rad. Was right at the F mark in the res. I added about 60ml to the res just to bring it over slightly (1/2") for the winter. It's going to drop some anyway over the next few months, and I rather add when it's nice outside than freezing my fingers off.

Intercooler coolant level right at F, never moved from day one.

When it becomes consistently cold (30-40F), it'll be a good time to top off the spare tire psi for the winter as well.

 

[Stiletto]

Intercooler coolant level right at F, never moved from day one.

How long have you had an air to water intercooler?

 

[JSolo]

^^Since day 1. It came with the car. 2.5T uses a liquid cooled intercooler.

 

[Stiletto]

^^Since day 1. It came with the car. 2.5T uses a liquid cooled intercooler.

Yep... didn't pay want attention to your sig!

 

[D.J.]

^^I never check the level in the radiator, but the res is checked at least once a month.

Today I did both, just to see where it's at in the radiator. I'd say it about 3/8" below the cap level in the rad. Was right at the F mark in the res. I added about 60ml to the res just to bring it over slightly (1/2") for the winter. It's going to drop some anyway over the next few months, and I rather add when it's nice outside than freezing my fingers off.

Intercooler coolant level right at F, never moved from day one.

When it becomes consistently cold (30-40F), it'll be a good time to top off the spare tire psi for the winter as well.

⅜"
60mm
½“
30-40°F

Your mix of freedom units with metric is... I don't know what it is. Lol.
Unusual.

 

[JSolo]

^^Let me explain

The syringe is calibrated in mL. Being in the US, I think of length in terms of inches. Most temperatures are in terms of °F, but when it comes to computer/cpu temps, those are in terms of °C.

What I don't understand is where you got the 60mm from?

Would you like to discuss quarts, pints, and half gallons?