I just replaced the radiator, fan clutch and hoses on my 95 V12. After driving I find that it is about a pint low on coolant. I add coolant but it is low every time I check it after driving. Car does not overheat.I use the 50/50 mix. Is this normal? Also how can I check if my cooling fan is working properly it seems that when the car sits the temperature gauge goes up for the first 15 min.
Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Thu, 08/20/2009 - 16:22
this is generic info:
if no leaks are obvious, and you filled the radiator when engine was cold, did you continue to fill the radiator with the engine running to temperature and with the heater ON to maximum heat? Sounds like you didn't.
However, do not open up the radiator cap with the engine hot, there is dangerous pressure and boiling coolant in there.
Instead, remove the radiator cap or the coolant expansion tank cap when engine is cold, car should be on a level surface, then run engine for 20-30 minutes until it warms up to normal, or thermostat opens, (shouldn't take that long for a V12), then turn the Heater to maximum Heat with engine running, and you might see the coolant level go way down at the radiator mouth or coolant expansion tank mouth. Then keep adding coolant until full, and after a few cycles of the thermostat opening and closing, you will see the system "burp" any air, evidenced by short burps of coolant bubbles as the system settles and "bleeds" any air. Keep engine running and heater ON during this process, about 30 to 45 minutes. Then replace the cap and drive the car for about 15 minutes, windows open, heater at full blast, (yes I know, it's summer!), and then park it and let the engine and coolant cool completely. Next morning, check it when it is cold. If low, add coolant again, that should take care of it. If you check it two days later and it is low again, you have a leak somewhere.
JAM