Problem with coolant not circulating

[cheshiremorris]

Hi everyone

I have just removed the front grill to add some new chrome fitted a new top hose and added fresh coolant . Ive added 2.5 litre of antifreeze and a bit of water to about 3 litre and started the engine with the heater fan on and waited for it to get to temperature to top the system up to the 5.75 litre (?) Ive waited 5-10 mins and the level hasnt dropped as I thought it would Im worried about leaving it any longer and cooking the engine. Bottom hose and top hose and radiator seem marginally warm. Should I wait longer ? Im worried about overheating the engine if the thermostat isnt working . Everything was fine before the refit - any advice most welcome !

[panky]

Turn the heater fan off while the engine warms up as it's cooling things down. It will take a while for the thermostat to open in this weather when the car's at idle so be patient, eventually it will open and you'll feel the top hose get warm. Then you can check the level again.

[cheshiremorris]

Thanks ok I will , Ive tried again and theres wisps of steam coming from the radiator and the rads getting hot but it cant be circulating as 3 litres shouldnt fill to brim should it ?

[panky]

About 5litres - with heater, have you got the heater valve open? The wisps of steam is probably just the radiator drying out.

[cheshiremorris]

Is that the brass circular knob at the back of the rocker ? Ive not changed that, Ive had it on half an hour now in the garage and the rads quite hot steam coming from water where you fill it up, but top hose only warm . Water in rad feels quite hot Im worried of keeping it on any longer what do you think ?

[bmcecosse]

Keep going - it's fine. Just stay clear of the fumes in that garage...

[panky]

Are the heater hoses warm? Make sure the heater control knob is on inside the car. If you are worried then turn the engine off, let it cool off a bit then take disconnect the rear heater hose and pour some coolant down it. If the engine is full then coolant should pour out of the open end on the engine.

[cheshiremorris]

Cheers. The top heater hose is very hot and the bottom one quite hot Ill give it a little longer but its been 40 mins now and the levels not dropped

[mike.perry]

Unless you drain the rad, block and heater competely the engine will not take the full amount. Put a gallon container of water in the boot and go for a short drive. The engine and water pump will turn over quicker and the cooling system will work more efficiently.

[panky]

The heater is full of coolant then and if there was going to be an air lock that's where it would be, everything sounds fine

[cheshiremorris]

Yes I think your right. The hose top hose isnt red hot but it is where it enters the rad I guess these kevlar ones dont get red hot. There appears the be slight swirling in rad so I guess its all ok, took it for drive and doesnt need topping up. Have to drain some out now as I used 80% antifreeze mix in the top up. Thanks a lot for your help

[panky]

It wont do any harm, you'll be OK down to about -40

[mike.perry]

Top hose should be hot, bottom hose warm

[MarkyB]

slight swirling

Sounds like a result to me, that's circulation.