Proper Coolant Level

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Aug 12, 2008 | 03:47 PM

jmaskew

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,712

Likes: 18

From: Henderson, NV

Proper Coolant Level

I actually hijacked the "Turbo Lag" post with this question.
The degauss bottle should be filled to the min line when cold...right? I have one of the new bottles. Does that mean cold as in the truck sat all night long and it hasn't been started yet or start the engine and let the coolant circulate for a few minutes. I have checked the degauss bottle when the engine is hot and it is almost empty. I have checked it when it has sat for several hours and it is between the min and max line. I have checked it in the mornings before starting an several occasions and sometimes it is right around the min line and sometimes its below the min line sometimes above the min line. Yesterday I replaced the coolant filter but didn't add anymore coolant and this morning the coolant level (before starting the truck) was almost an inch below the line. I need to add some coolant back but I want to have the right amount in the system. Sorry if this is a basic question but since I have had different coolant levels when cold I need to ask.

Aug 12, 2008 | 04:39 PM

slowmans

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 3,011

Likes: 90

From: SE. MA

if its low when its hot thats not good, it should read higher when the truck is hot. And you should fill it to the min line when truck is cold(sat all night).

Aug 12, 2008 | 04:41 PM

Kep4

Jäger

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 5,491

Likes: 5

From: Northern Arizona

I check the level after it's sat overnight and keep it just below the 'Min' level.

The level on mine varies quite a bit as well. After a long towing run the bottle appears nearly empty.

Switching to Evans NPG+ coolant is getting more tempting!

Aug 12, 2008 | 04:55 PM

jmaskew

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,712

Likes: 18

From: Henderson, NV

I noticed that when it appears empty and you gently unscrew the cap on the degauss bottle until you hear the pressure releasing (when it's hot), the coolant level will rise to the "Min" marker. Is this basically what happens when the engine cools down over night; the pressure drops in the cooling system and raises the coolant?

Aug 13, 2008 | 06:21 AM

HeavyAssault

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 3,271

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From: Gulf Coast, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kepler4

Last I read about EVANS it is not recommended for the 6.0 PSD. I can't state reasoning but I'd call them directly before you buy.

Aug 13, 2008 | 04:40 PM

Kep4

Jäger

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 5,491

Likes: 5

From: Northern Arizona

After researching and reading more about Evans NPG+ I'll definitely pass on it.

Poor heat transfer properties and much thicker viscosity are not what a 6.0 needs.

OK, back to the coolant level rising/falling issue.

Aug 13, 2008 | 06:05 PM

liv

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,078

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From: Kansas City/Breckenridge

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmaskew

I'm pretty sure you can hear pressure releasing out of the cap no matter how hot/cold the coolant is and from what I've noticed releasing the pressure doesn't affect the level its just keeping a vacuum in the system. Maybe you have a bad cap?

Mine usually stays just below the min line no matter what, and if I add more it blows it all out. I read somewhere that if you have a lift though you should keep it below min.

you don't have white residue all around your cap do you?

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Aug 13, 2008 | 06:51 PM

jmaskew

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,712

Likes: 18

From: Henderson, NV

Quote:

Originally Posted by liv

Thanks for the post! No white residue, I went through that last year. I installed a Coolant temp gauge a few months ago and lost some coolant (actually alot) plus lost more coolant when I replaced the last three coolant filters. I have added some but I am paranoid about adding too much. When I release the cap when it's hot (slowly of course) the pressure escapes and the air bubbles up from the main drain at the bottom of the degauss bottle. The degauss bottle was replaced last November along with Head gaskets, egr cooler and oil cooler. The truck runs great and pulls great, no puking and no overheating. I just want to make sure I have the correct amount. Same as Kepler, after towing the coolant level is very low in the bottle but then it goes back up. It's just hard to find a flat level ground to park it on to let it cool down. There is always a slight slope! lol