coolant level

[jackw04_123]

how do i know if theres enough engine coolant in my renault 5 gtt?

[Ricardo]

Well, if it's a simple visual check then look at the coolant expansion tank, there should be a horizontal line with MAXI. That's where it should be.


I suspect there's more to it that this though, the question would seem vague

[phase i 16 v turbo]

Read the bottle to see what mix is required for the coolant.

[jackw04_123]

my expansion tanks is a chrome 1 though and it doesnt have a min or max:(

[Ricardo]

Just trying to think high up the tank the level is, 2/3rds?? Open the expansion tank lid (COLD!!) if it's about the same then all good. Are you thinking you're loosing coolant? I can't remember off the top of my head what the coolant capacity is. Winter mix, isn't it 50-50 with antifreeze?

[jackw04_123]

yeh im not sure if im loosing it but i think the level is low iv only had the car a few months and not really used it but iv noticed recently engine temp is running quite high

[Ricardo]

Hmm, I'd pressurise the cooling system 1st for signs for leaks from any hoses, waterpump or even the banjo bolts on the turbo. If that's ok, personally i'd drain the cooling system, flush out the rad and the heater matrix. Refill the cooling system with the correct anifreeze and water, bleed the air out of the system and see what happens.

All this can be done in about an hour or 2 with a cup of tea in between :)

[jackw04_123]

it would probably take an hour or two with somebody that knows what there doing but i think that would take me the best part of a week l:laugh:

[Chris Hebden]

No it wont mate.

Take off the lower hose from the, can be got from under the car at the front. Stick a hose in the expansion tank and give it a good clean. Then take off the top rad hose and stick a hose into the rad (with the lower hose now attached) and give it a flush through that way. Once this is done drop the bottom hose off again to get all the water out (lift the expansion tank as high as possible to help) then refit everything fill with antifreeze and water with both bleed nipples removed making sure water comes out of them both, start the car and keep an eye on fluid level with expansion tank raised in the air. When only water is coming out of the bleed nipples, refit them refit expansion tank and make sure fan kicks in at the right time :)!

[jackw04_123]

what antifreeze should i use??

[Ricardo]

what antifreeze should i use??

Isn't the Renault antifreeze Type C or D? the green liquid. IIRC my Clio 172 uses Type D

Different colours, different operating temps under different ambient temps?