Coolant fill on a new engine

1950StangJump$ · Aug 14, 2020

Brenspeed B326 installed on a 2008 GT. Radiator had been completely removed and drained virtually 100%. I'm not ready for the first startup just yet, as I have some odds and ends to tie up.

I read that coolant capacity is 14.2 quarts. Not sure if that includes a full reservoir.

Filling via the reservoir, I got 12 quarts in before the reservoir was filled. Should I expect that the remaining 2+ quarts is because the thermostat is closed, and it will suck more in at start and warmup?

I've also read that purging these cars of air in the coolant can be tough, so want to know what to expect. Any other pointers appreciated....

Juice · Aug 14, 2020

I had zero issues with airbubbles when I did my swap. Cooling system bone dry, new radiator. 3 gallons is about right for a fill.
Just start it and keep an eye on the water temp. I think it will be just fine.

1950StangJump$ · Aug 14, 2020

Juice, you're up and helpful early today.

Thanks for the advice!

Juice · Aug 14, 2020

Have to do something while working from home and waiting on the computer search results. lol

Dino Dino Bambino · Aug 14, 2020

Purging the cooling system of air is easy. When you first start the engine cold, leave the pressure cap off the expansion reservoir (degas bottle) and switch the heater on to MAX (with the temperature dial at maximum red). This will circulate coolant through the heater matrix and purge it of any air. The coolant level in the expansion reservoir will immediately drop so top it up SLOWLY while observing for any air bubbles. You can intermittently squeeze the upper radiator hose at this time to speed up the process.
Once they stop, make sure the reservoir is filled up to the COLD fill line, replace the pressure cap, and go for a minimum 10-minute drive to allow enough time for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature.
After a minimum four-hour cooling period, check the coolant level in the reservoir and top it up again as necessary. You should then be good to go. Thereafter I suggest you recheck the coolant level once a week to ensure there's no coolant loss until you're satisfied that the level has stabilized.

Sky Render · Aug 14, 2020

Dino Dino Bambino said:
Purging the cooling system of air is easy. When you first start the engine cold, leave the pressure cap off the expansion reservoir (degas bottle) and switch the heater on to MAX (with the temperature dial at maximum red). This will circulate coolant through the heater matrix and purge it of any air. The coolant level in the expansion reservoir will immediately drop so top it up SLOWLY while observing for any air bubbles. You can intermittently squeeze the upper radiator hose at this time to speed up the process.
Once they stop, make sure the reservoir is filled up to the COLD fill line, replace the pressure cap, and go for a minimum 10-minute drive to allow enough time for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature.
After a minimum four-hour cooling period, check the coolant level in the reservoir and top it up again as necessary. You should then be good to go. Thereafter I suggest you recheck the coolant level once a week to ensure there's no coolant loss until you're satisfied that the level has stabilized.

This method also works on just about any vehicle, not just an S197.

Coolant fill on a new engine

1950StangJump$

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Juice

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1950StangJump$

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Juice

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Dino Dino Bambino

I have a red car

Sky Render

Stig's Retarded Cousin

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