coolant level

Hi,

I have read that DexCool is especially sensitive to air. To be more precise, once the coolant level drops and air gets into the cooling system, rust and sludge develops pretty quick.

I have a GM 3800 Series II engine and the coolant level is ok when cold but a little low when hot.

How come? What should I do ?

if the level is fine when cold, i don't think i would worry, but the next time you are at a dealership(not a parts store) you may want to pick up a new coolent cap, the pressure valve inside the cap may not be working right.

Actually, when the engine is cold, the coolant is unable to flow through the engine due to the thermostat being closed. This indicates a higher coolant level. Until the thermostat opens at 195 degrees, you may as well have no coolant in your engine.

When the engine is warm, the coolant is flowing, showing a lower reading in the overflow tank. This is because the coolant is flowing. I would reccommend filling it to full hot, since thats where the engine does the most of it's operating, as well as that when the engine actually NEEDS the coolant.

Actually, when the engine is cold, the coolant is unable to flow through the engine due to the thermostat being closed. This indicates a higher coolant level. Until the thermostat opens at 195 degrees, you may as well have no coolant in your engine.

When the engine is warm, the coolant is flowing, showing a lower reading in the overflow tank. This is because the coolant is flowing. I would reccommend filling it to full hot, since thats where the engine does the most of it's operating, as well as that when the engine actually NEEDS the coolant.

I just added a new water pump to my 98 LS.The car runs OK but I cant Get much heat or defrost. ALSO The "Low Coolant Light wont turn off.
Coolant is topped off. Does this mean the coolant sensor is bad?

It sounds like you may not have gotten all the air out of the cooling system. Bleed or Re-bleed the coolant and see what happens.

Dammit! I stripped the screw that holds the tension wheel in place while trying to replace the belt. How do I get the belt on now? Has anyone ever replaced the tensioner on a series 2 3800? Also What is the correct way to bleed the coolant system using the bleedr screw on the thermo housing?