Coolant capacity

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 25 Jul 2011, 19:21

According to Haynes my 850R should take about 7.4 qts of total coolant. I did a complete flush and clean today, opened heater controls and drained block and radiator completely. I flushed with clean water til it came out clear. Then I ran Prestone cleaner through and eventually got it ready to fill. I mixed distilled water with Zerex G-05 50/50 (so I had 2 gallons ready. BUT! The system took on only about 6.2 qts (heater valve open). So I took a 25 minute drive and everything still looks good. What the heck? Anyone have any ideas?

da7 · Post by **da7** » 25 Jul 2011, 19:35

just a very wild guess, did you confirm your heater isn't "bypassed"?

Post by **jblackburn** » 25 Jul 2011, 20:58

It may burp itself of air over the next few days. Keep a jug of coolant in the car with you and check it every day or two for the next few weeks.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 26 Jul 2011, 00:05

Will do. Since it's already mixed up in a tub I'll just keep a jug with me in the car. Had all the heater (ECC) temp controls on full hot and AC off. Like JB says, it will probably "burp" out in a few more miles.

Post by **cn90** » 26 Jul 2011, 12:15

Over the years fixing many cars, I have noticed the same thing.

Coolant Capacity listed in owners manual is for "Dry Fill" at factory.

It does not matter how well you drain the coolant, there is always some left behind in nooks and crannies. This is why during a refill, it always take less volume than factory specifications.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 26 Jul 2011, 12:26

Carry a jug of 50/50 with you for a few days - the low level light normally comes back on after a day or two depending on your commute.

It won't take much, less than a quart, but you may need to top it off more than once.

...Lee

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 26 Jul 2011, 19:02

Thanks for the information, folks! Drove around about 45 miles today doing various errands (stop/go but about 5 miles per trip). No change and no warning lights. Level is still perfect.

This tip though: A month or 2 ago several of us talked about driving around with our gravel shields (below engine) removed with no adverse effects. Well...my radiator drain petcock was sheared off at some point before I drained the system.sheared flush with the radiator. Easy to get out with a torx. I was also shocked/surprised when I got a new one from my new local dealer for $3.07!