Hi guys, I just installed a new water pump. I flushed the system of the old dexcool while the car was off (water pump weeper, and lower radiator hose). I filled it up with as much coolant as it could take and started her up.

As the rover got to temperature I could see bubbles coming from the expansion tank, but the level wasn't dropping considerably.

The temperature rose to 205F and the fan clutch engaged. 212F, then 224F is when I shut it down. It started bubbling over the expansion tank but I think it was able to take some coolant into the engine. So far I have filled maybe 8qts at most.

I am scared of those high temperatures, is there a correct way to refill the system that I am missing?

 

Raise the tank off of its mount with the hoses still connected. Prop a board or something under it to keep it raised a few inches. With the engine off, open the bleed screw on the top radiator hose. Fill tank until a steady stream of coolant comes out of the bleed screw. Tighten bleed screw and coolant cap. Get car up to operating temp with heater on high. Shut down and let cool. Top off reservoir as needed.

 

Thanks I will follow this procedure. Do you usually get high temps when you are bleeding the system? If so how high generally?

 

You will if there is air in the system. If you fill with the engine off until is comes out the bleed screw, there should be very little air. Running it with the heater on high after will make sure the heater core is full. It also helps if you park the car facing uphill when filling. That will get fluid to the heater core. Good luck.

 

Thanks dude, this worked. I let it sit at 225F while I **** my pants then as it settled it went to normal 204F temp idle. Freeway is 194F, idle is 203-212F. Around town is 198-203F from what I've driven so far.

 

Good to check reservoir level each morning when cold for several days as the residual air makes it out of system and add coolant as required.
......

 

With the temps you are seeing I'd install an OEM 180° thermostat. I'd also check to make sure your AC condenser fan is running. You're not running too hot, but should be able to drop your temps a bit. Cheers!