scuf23

I had to change both water pump and radiator due to leak issues - went for a 3 row radiator - my questions are as follow:

1) About how much coolant does it take to re-fill the system?

2) How do you know that the coolant system is as full as needed?

Simple questions but I do not have the experience ...

Thanks

restomod87

I'm not sure without checking cuz I am currently at school, but my '67 requires 15quarts to fill up. Here is the trick however: Fill up your car with 50/50 antifreeze/water but it will fill up to the top and still have alot of air in the lines...Leave your cap off the radiator and start it up so it gets hot enough for the thermostat to pop, and this will burp the cooling system. You'll see your water lvl drop tremendously, and then top it off and you're good to go.

~Patrick

scuf23

So that would be about 3.75 gallons

Well so far I only have about 1.25 gallons into it so I guessI need to buy some more ....

When you say top it off, does that mean you need to see water at the surface of the reservoir? do you have an expansion tank?

restomod87

Yes I would fill it to the point where you see water at the top of the reservoir.

jlg2002

The best way to mix AF is to buy two gallons (or more) and pour 1 enitrely into the rad, then refill the empty container with water and put that into the rad. if you still need more coolant, then pour half of your second gallon into the empty container and refill the missing 1/2 with water. You now have 50/50 mix. I've been refilling cooling systems for years in the manner described above and by the burping method described by Restomod. In order to ensure the heater is not full of air, don't forget to open the heater control valve ( if you have one) by moving the heat selector to full hot. Lastly, try to underfill the system so that the AF doesn't go all over the place on that initial air burp from when the thermostat opens. Squeze the uppr rad hose too to ensure 1, it's hot and 2, to purge its air.

urban_cowboy

It is really going to vary between cars how much coolant that take. Some radiators are 24" wide other are smaller. Also different engines are going to hold different amounts in the block. I would say fill it up. Run it with the cap off for a few minutes or until it reaches the thermostat temp and then start filling it again. After that, just make sure your overflow bottle is half full for a few days. The system will burp it self after a few driving trips. Just don't go anywhere until you let that thermostat open the first time!