Radiator Coolant Level
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4wd Low
Joined: Aug 2015
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Radiator Coolant Level
96 F250 4X4 7.5 engine, automatic, just turned 147,000. I noticed the expansion tank was dry. I looked in the radiator and did not see any coolant. I bought coolant and filled the expansion tank to the cold fill line.
Next time I drove, after the truck cooled down, the expansion tank was at the same level and I could still not see any coolant in the radiator. Should I fill the radiator as well?
The truck runs with the temp gauge usually over the "a" in Normal which I always thought was a little hot, or is that about right?
Thanks.
Next time I drove, after the truck cooled down, the expansion tank was at the same level and I could still not see any coolant in the radiator. Should I fill the radiator as well?
The truck runs with the temp gauge usually over the "a" in Normal which I always thought was a little hot, or is that about right?
Thanks.
Last edited by F1snob; Mar 13, 2016 at 08:34 AM. Reason: Title
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Indiana
I would say you have a leak somewhere,might be in a hose or the radiator,or it might be an intake gasket and you could be burning the coolant.top off the radiator and run the engine for awhile and look around for leaks.watch out around the fan dont cut a finger off.
my 460 runs around the n and never goes to the r.
my 460 runs around the n and never goes to the r.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,515
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
or the radiator may just be empty. when the engine is cold, open the radiator cap and fill the radiator.
then put the cap on and fill the tank. run it a day and next day before going out check the radiator again. if you have to fill it every day for 4 days, there is an issue. if the radiator holds level at full or 1/2 inch below the cap but the expansion tank is always empty, there may be a hole in the tank.
my 88 will stay full, but the tank is always empty because it leaks.
then put the cap on and fill the tank. run it a day and next day before going out check the radiator again. if you have to fill it every day for 4 days, there is an issue. if the radiator holds level at full or 1/2 inch below the cap but the expansion tank is always empty, there may be a hole in the tank.
my 88 will stay full, but the tank is always empty because it leaks.
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Thanks guys. I will fill it up and watch it.
I have only had the truck since August but for some reason hadn't checked the coolant or radiator until recently. It could have been that way all along or maybe it is burning up since there are no visible leaks or drips anywhere. Although there is no smell of coolant either.
The truck is only used a couple times a month as our farm, home center and dump-run truck, but I will watch it closer.
Thanks again!
I have only had the truck since August but for some reason hadn't checked the coolant or radiator until recently. It could have been that way all along or maybe it is burning up since there are no visible leaks or drips anywhere. Although there is no smell of coolant either.
The truck is only used a couple times a month as our farm, home center and dump-run truck, but I will watch it closer.
Thanks again!
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