Hey guys,

I am putting this here as well as the cooling bd to maximize exposure.

I would try a search, but cant find with new boards. Just did a flush this past weekend, after filling back up, I let car idle to operating temp, and atopped off coolant again after t-stat opend up and level dropped. Car never has had a history of overheating, nor has it now (it was about 50 outside when I ran it). I took the car on about a 50 mile run, temp gauge very stable, about the first hash mark. Checked coolant level in radiator next day, and it was down quite a bit. Reserve tank had gotten filled when flush was complete b4 the run, but the cooling system didnt appear to draw from it. I topped off radiator again to the fill neck, ran it for about 10-20 min, and again, down a bit, albeit not as much as previously described. Reserve tank now was above the capacity I topped it off at. All my extra coolant went there? Where should the coolant level be in radiator when cold? Do I have a potential leak somewhere that I need to diagnose? Car is 100%staock. Any help, tricks, etc... much appreciated! (Im starting my auto Tech Train classes, so I am still learning!!!)

How long should it take to balance out the level?

 

Fresh water contains air. If you used water to mix with the coolant you replaced, you likely introduced air.

Until the water is heated above 180°F for a period of time, the water may not be deaerated. More air will slowly bubble out of the water until there is no more. This process may take several heat/cool driving cycles.

Theoretically, if the radiator cap is functioning properly, the overflow hose has no leaks, and the overflow reservoir is kept at the proper level, the coolant level in the radiator should be completely full when the cap is removed cold. If your's is not remaining full, and you're certain the water is deaerated, the return valve on the radiator cap may not be functioning, and therefore not allowing coolant from the reservoir to refill the radiator as the engine cools.