i just bought an 89 rs and when i checked the fluids there was barely any coolant...so i bought some and filled radiator all the way up....then i turned car on with radiator cap off to see if when heated up the thermostat would open...i know usually it takes a minute or two for it to open and take all the coolant that is in the radiator...but as soon as i turned the car on i went and checked and the fluid was already gone from the radiator??? and i notice my temp gauge doesnt go up as the car is running??? could this be the thermostat stuck open possibly???....if anyone knows please tell me...thanks

frank

 

You need to keep adding coolant to the rad as the air is purged from the block, until it starts to come out the filler neck as it warms up. Then you can put the cap on.

 

thanks but i thought once i fill the rad up and start the car that fluid wouldnt drain into the block until it warms up and the thermostat opened up????....how would i be able to tell if my thermostat is stuck open??

 

Water goes into the block from the bottom, not the top.

 

Yes, bottom up, but it is always circulating a little bit, because of your heater hoses as well. Its pushing some fluid through the engine and rad as well, before the T-stat opens.

It should suck it down when the engine is started, and then it will probably do it again when the 'stat opens.