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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: VA Beach, VA
Posts: 67
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Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
Hello Everyone,
![]() Can someone please tell me what the proper level that my coolant should be? I've checked my manuals (one is the 1972 repair manual) and they say two different things (at least I think it does). One says it should be an inch from the top and the other says it should be 3 inches from the top but there should also be a little arrow telling me where to fill. Of course, I didn't see an arrow anywhere but that doesn't mean I didn't miss it. I've included some photos to assist. Thanks in advance for the help.
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1972 Chevy C10 |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 147
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
one inch is fine. Or you can install a overflow and a new rad cap and forget all about it and not have to worry about it making a mess on the driveway...
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Eliot, Maine
Posts: 1,314
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
first off...if you don't have an overflow bottle....get one installed pronto.
use demineralized water (dehumidifier is a cheap source) i always fill it to the top because it will drop or run into the overflow if too high. if filling an empty system, i use (green) coolant while it is cold and then just add demin water to refill the rad as the level drops while it is warming up. you can squeeze the upper hose (slowly and gently) to work the bubbles out. |
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: VA Beach, VA
Posts: 67
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.
Is there any place online that sells the radiator bottle? I've seen some innovative ones in this forum. Also, what cap do I need? I link or pictures would help. Thanks again.
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1972 Chevy C10 |
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#5 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
There's no reason to get too excited about installing an overflow bottle. Once it burps and finds it's level they don't drain anymore.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: VA Beach, VA
Posts: 67
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
I think that's the question I've had. I have not consistently checked my radiator level since I purchased this truck in December. I admit it, I'm new at this stuff but I've learned my lesson. However, since my truck has been running great, my coolant level has obviously not been an issue. I just want to make sure I don't damage anything in the future. I filled it up an inch to the top so we'll see.
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1972 Chevy C10 |
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#7 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
Just fill it up close to the top. After the truck runs and warms up and cools a few times it will pee some out the overflow hose. After a few hot/cold cycles it will have found it's happy level and not pee anymore.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
overflow bottles r overrated// but if you really must , then just go to local autoparts store they carry the complete conversion , cap bottle and tubing , should b less than twenty bucks/// just keep in mind the truck has done just fine without it for 40years
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#9 | |
Shake and Bake!
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 609
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
Quote:
And it will let you know if it is low on coolant cause your temp gauge will have this little guy in it ![]() I top mine off to the bottom of the fill neck and then drive it and let it burp itself, check it again, top it off again. What it doesn't want goes in the overflow bottle.
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"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent." Thomas Jefferson "You are remembered for the rules you break." General Douglas MacArthur "Support Our Troops And The NRA" |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: VA Beach, VA
Posts: 67
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
Got it. It's filled up. I'll let you guys now how it works out. Once again, I'm grateful for the help. Now...off to my next project.
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1972 Chevy C10 |
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#11 |
Chemist under the hood...
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Fort Erie,ON, Canada
Posts: 617
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
On the back of my rad ('67) there is actually embossed lettering saying FULL COLD about 3" down from the top of the rad. I have an overflow bottle as well. Never had an issue.
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Current fleet: 2013 GMC Sierra, 5.3L, 4x4 1988 GMC Sierra, 305, Auto 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 360 V8 1997 VW Cabrio, 2.0L 2017 Toyota Rav4, 2.5L Stuff I wish I still had: 2013 Toyota Matrix [RIP] 1967 GMC 910 Fleetside, 283 V8 [1st Love-SOLD] 1987 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4X4, 4.0 I-6 [SOLD} 1994 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, 5.7LV8 [SOLD] 1995 Chevrolet Astro AWD, 4.3L V6 (RIP) 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4, 5.7L V8 [SOLD] |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Eliot, Maine
Posts: 1,314
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
Quote:
i found my radiator kept getting low on coolant until i put a bottle on. now it rarely needs fluid added. you want the system full of coolant for proper operation and the overflow bottle gives the extra room needed as the coolant warms and expands. GM was a cheap skate back in the day that's why it was an option for the few enlightened people. i will be trailer towing with my 72 burb and i don't want any issues.... |
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#13 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 2,436
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
Quote:
Back in the day, mid '70s, I use to tow a travel trailer or 26' cabin cruiser with my '72 3/4 ton GMC and was concerned about coolant lose so I put a universal over-flow bottle on the truck. I have not used one since then on any of my trucks, of course I don't use them to tow with. I guess it is personal choice to use an over-flow bottle or not. Danny
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'67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E. |
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#14 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,646
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
I'm a great fan of overflow tanks... barring any problems, the radiator is always full -- more coolant (no air in the system) equals a bit more cooling capacity. And you don't even need to remove the rad. cap to check the fluid level (yes, I know it's not that hard), it just takes a quick glance at the tank.
As to the trucks not coming with tanks.... well, a lot design improvements have happened over the years. Vehicles didn't always have clutch fans (or electric fans) or fan shrouds. I remember when overheated vehicles were a relatively common sight in summer, especially in the mountains or the desert. Pretty rare to see that anymore.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: Radiator Coolant: Proper Level?
there is no additional cooling capacity involved// at operating capacity a properly filled radiator with a dump tube has the exact same amt of coolant in the radiator as a system with an overflow tank// the amt of coolant in the overflow tank doesnt go back into the radiator till the operating temp goes below normal and isnt needed to lower the temp
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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