Water level

[FrancoTam]

I have just had extra water tank fitted to help the cooling system and also for ease of checking the water levels. However every time I check it with the new tank(which I've been told should be filled half way up) it is empty! I have filled it half way up and left it to get up to temperature, when it just seeps water out by the cap. It will take about the same amount of water each time to top up and I know these cars find there own level but is this right?

[icraigmy]

The cap is designed to release water if filled to high. I had this trouble because the manual say's "there should be approx. 10mm of fluid visible within the filler neck". So I filled up to when there was 10mm of coolant visible within the filler neck, and low and behold I had coolant leaking out of the cap. Someone on this forum said that the manual is very misleading and that the coolant tank finds it's own level in the end. So I filled up the coolant tank as usual, and monitored the level after driving for a few days until I observed no coolant leaking out of the cap anymore, then using a wooden spoon I monitored the level of the coolant in the tank and have taken this to be my default level for the coolant.

With the extra tank you have had fitted the equilibrium of the original coolant tank level maybe upset and you have to go through a trial of filling up and monitoring the level.

[kevin63]

Each TVR I have either owned or had for a few months or so has always found it's own level, they all seem to be different, just take them for what they are and you will be ok.

[FrancoTam]

I realise that the car will find its own level but as I understand on these newer tanks it should be half way up. Mine seems to find its level just below the new tank making it impossible to check the water. Surely this isn't right?

[VARLEYHYD]

On the Sag the swirl pot top is about the same height as the header tank's neck, the level I go for is 1/2 - 2/3rds full.

When you fill, squeeze all the hoses to push out any air, or if it really is getting to you fill it from the bleed valve with a glycol pump and force any air out, then put the cap back on and pressure test it, you should never have to re-visit it then.

G

[KillerJim]

Personally I always throw a bit of water in her during the weekly check, every month I bleed the rad's and check the swirl pot.

J

[VARLEYHYD]

KillerJim said:

Personally I always throw a bit of water in her during the weekly check, every month I bleed the rad's and check the swirl pot.

J

I hope you mean neat antifreeze

Don't want to be corroding the engine

G

[KillerJim]

I use the 'pre-mixed' stuff from Halford's (the more expensive type)

Why would u use neat anti-freeze?

James

[VARLEYHYD]

KillerJim said:

I use the 'pre-mixed' stuff from Halford's (the more expensive type)

Why would u use neat anti-freeze?

James

That'll do nicely,
suprising how many folks keep topping it with water and diltute too far.

G

[FrancoTam]

I took the car back to the garage yesterday and they did extensive tests on my cooling system including block test and running a pressure test on the cooling system at 20psi where it runs in the car at 15psi. Just a slight one drop leak but nothing really(and that was tightend). We put a new cap on the new water tank(swirl pot) and that has seemed to cure the problem cross fingers.
Thanks for the replies and advise!

[T40ORA]

Any thoughts on your re-build yet Andy?

[FrancoTam]

Lee I sent you an email about rebuild!

[FrancoTam]

Lee I sent you an email about rebuild!