coolant level

[TVRmikey]

Hi all, most likely been asked many times, but since replacing my radiator the level in the expansion tank seems to be low. it seems to sit by the bottom hole even tho i've filled it half way a few times. the swirl pot is full and no signs of overheating. any ideas? thanks

[TJC46]

All sounds normal after the cooling system has been drained/refilled.

You mention fitting a new rad, and the RV8 engine can be a bit of a pig to fully bleed.

Keep checking the expansion tank on a regular basis. It will eventually settle at a level in there that is usually between 25 to 50mm.

Mine is quite happy with about 30mm in there when cold.

[bobfather]

You may be overfilling the expansion pot. There is a lot of expansion needed for these cars, the expansion pot level when cold should be no more than 1/3 high. Any more and when hot it'll eject coolant via the cap, when that happens it can spew out a lot of coolant

[TVRmikey]

thanks. I fitted the new rad about 2 months ago and have done some long drives since (covered about 300 miles) but no steam or leaks I can see or feel. I haven't looked in the oil in the last week but looked ok a while back. I don't drive her often. I was just worried there might be a problem and don't fancy a rebuild just yet.

[igiveup]

Replaced my rad back in August and my expansion tank is the same as yours. Before it was happy to sit at half full.
I believe I have an air lock every now again, as every so often the Temp gauge drops.

Still have a new water pump to fit now, so need to drain again, doh.

[TVRmikey]

That's around the time I did my radiator. my car seems fine otherwise. I did think after doing my radiator that perhaps I should have changed the water pump, but a bit late now.

[igiveup]

I have no choice but to change mine as the bearing seal has gone and its leaking out the weep hole.

Timing timing timing

[TVRmikey]

That's unfortunate. But at least now you know it's done.