Coolant level on Superformance radiator tank

juanone · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2003, 09:21 PM

I need help. Just took delivery of SPF 1649 with 427W. I am having trouble with losing the engine coolant. The first time it did it was because I left the valve on the expansion tank open therefore coolant came out. As a result I panicked and bought Coolant and topped of the stainless steel tank. The next day took the car for a ride and everything was going ok until I shut the engine off. Then steam started coming from under the hood and coolant came out again.

I believe that I may have overfilled the tank after the first incident causing the coolant to come out again.

I drained the overflow tank and closed the valve. I have not started the engine because now I don't know how much coolant to add. What should be the fill level on a cold engine in the stainless steel tank of a Superformance?

Any help is welcome.

juanone

StuM · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2003, 08:09 PM

I had a bit of the same. First, re high heat- Fellow SPF owners advised to check my elec fan rotations, and I did find one running in reverse. The wires were reversed at the factory!
When I topped my SS overflow tank to the top, it tends to burp a bit in high heat. I now keep it about 1/2 to 2/3 full when cool and it does not seem to overflow any more.
You might also be sure your pressure cap is correct and lifts only at the correct temp.

gsharapa · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2003, 06:10 PM

Four things I'd suggest:

1. Make sure all the air is out of the system. Let it run with the cap off for awhile to burp out the air. The coolent should be high in the expansion tank.

2. Make sure you have a good expansion tank cap. 16 or higher lb cap.

3. Run the overflow line from the expansion tank to the bottom of the overflow tank. Then run the line off the top of the overflow tank down to exit under the car. When the engine gets hot and the fluid expands it will go in the tank but draw back when needed with the line at the bottom of the overflow tank!!!

4. Put a 50/50 mix of distilled water and anti freeze in it. Also add a can of wetter and this will help keep it cool......