What to do?? Coolant Question

SilverWRX13 · 11-05-2007, 06:42 PM

I changed my coolant for the first time this weekend. I couldn't get in the full 50/50. Winter is just around the corner and want to make sure I get enough coolant, so it won't freeze up inside my radiator.

My question is can I drain the plastic bottle that holds the coolant? Then add oem coolant with no distilled water in the plastic coolant bottle. Would it recirclelate back into the radiator? or Should I just drain it from the plug on the bottom of the radiator?

TIA

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surowrxa · 11-05-2007, 06:53 PM

How close to 50/50 did you get? I'm guessing that you added water first and did not account for the block being filled, then went to add coolant and could not get enough in?

The overflow tank does recirculate back into the system. If you can figure out the proper mix % you can definitely do it that way.

Did you also use coolant conditioner (just wondering)?

SilverWRX13 · 11-05-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surowrxa

How close to 50/50 did you get? I'm guessing that you added water first and did not account for the block being filled, then went to add coolant and could not get enough in?

The overflow tank does recirculate back into the system. If you can figure out the proper mix % you can definitely do it that way.

Did you also use coolant conditioner (just wondering)?

I premixed the coolant. and I couldn't get in the last 15-20% of the premix in. I also added the coolant conditioner.

surowrxa · 11-05-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverWRX13

I premixed the coolant. and I couldn't get in the last 15-20% of the premix in. I also added the coolant conditioner.

Me too. Clogged arteries here we come (but with no blown headgasket).

Ah, premix. Then yeah, the overflow can be your "rectifier" for your missing mix. You had coolant/water in the block and it took some volume out of your fill calculations.

Did you flush with water or just refill? As long as you had a decent mix in there to begin with (without flushing) you should be fine.

SilverWRX13 · 11-05-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surowrxa

Me too. Clogged arteries here we come (but with no blown headgasket).

Ah, premix. Then yeah, the overflow can be your "rectifier" for your missing mix. You had coolant/water in the block and it took some volume out of your fill calculations.

Did you flush with water or just refill? As long as you had a decent mix in there to begin with (without flushing) you should be fine.

I flushed it with distilled water. I was doing my 30,000. The coolant was really dirty. It was the original coolant. Can to much coolant cause the radiator to break or damage anything? Say 1 1/2 quart of coolant. I might just drain a little to play it safe. I'm probably just being anal about this.

surowrxa · 11-05-2007, 08:20 PM

Hmmm. Well, the extra 15-20% is all water, so...if you add 10% more coolant (after removing some overflow fluid) you're good.

Too much coolant can be bad, but I don't think you'll get there doing this.

LorenzoS · 11-06-2007, 08:29 AM

Having a lower concentration of coolant will raise the freezing point of the coolant. But for the amount you described, this should only be a problem if you live in Alaska. In NJ you are perfectly fine unless we go down to -50 F.

11-05-2007, 06:42 PM	#1
SilverWRX13 Scooby Newbie Member#: 119571 Join Date: Jul 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: New Jersey Vehicle: 2007 Legacy 2.5GT 350Z 35th Anniversary	What to do?? Coolant Question I changed my coolant for the first time this weekend. I couldn't get in the full 50/50. Winter is just around the corner and want to make sure I get enough coolant, so it won't freeze up inside my radiator. My question is can I drain the plastic bottle that holds the coolant? Then add oem coolant with no distilled water in the plastic coolant bottle. Would it recirclelate back into the radiator? or Should I just drain it from the plug on the bottom of the radiator? TIA * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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11-05-2007, 06:53 PM	#2
surowrxa Scooby Specialist Member#: 102895 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh Vehicle: '12 Forester '08 Legacy	How close to 50/50 did you get? I'm guessing that you added water first and did not account for the block being filled, then went to add coolant and could not get enough in? The overflow tank does recirculate back into the system. If you can figure out the proper mix % you can definitely do it that way. Did you also use coolant conditioner (just wondering)?

11-05-2007, 08:20 PM	#6
surowrxa Scooby Specialist Member#: 102895 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh Vehicle: '12 Forester '08 Legacy	Hmmm. Well, the extra 15-20% is all water, so...if you add 10% more coolant (after removing some overflow fluid) you're good. Too much coolant can be bad, but I don't think you'll get there doing this.

11-06-2007, 08:29 AM	#7
LorenzoS Scooby Newbie Member#: 50995 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cliffside Park, NJ Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon	Having a lower concentration of coolant will raise the freezing point of the coolant. But for the amount you described, this should only be a problem if you live in Alaska. In NJ you are perfectly fine unless we go down to -50 F.