hey guys, I was just wondering if there are any proper ways to fill a bone dry radiator in my 91 Trans Am... I reinstalled the waterpump, radiator, over flow tank, and all the appropriate hoses since I had them off while doing work to the car. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I thought I'd ask and be safe than sorry!

Thanks!

 

Take the cap off, fill the rad, start the engine, keep topping up the rad with coolant as the level goes down. When the level stops going down and the coolant starts to spill out the neck as it heats up, put the cap on and fill the reservoir to the cold mark.

 

You nailed it... thanks!!

 

just for anyone else who reads this for their own fill-up, place an asprin (yes, the ACTUAL BRAND NAME asprin tablet) in the thermostat to hold it open. this allows all the air to escape from the system so no air pockets form. you also don't have to run the engine til operating temp, because the stat is already open. once coolant hits the pill, it disolves with no adverse affects on the system.

Air pockets are more common on Fords and other makes, but I found with my carbed V8 that if done the normal way, it started dieseling when I tried to shut it off. Using the asprin resulted in no dieseling.

 

oh wow good idea. I'm actually glad that you reminded me about the thermostat regardless. Thanks!