hey all, when i let my car sit for a day or two and i open the radiator cap the coolant is low too where i cant see it in the radiator. but when i start the car after about 4-5 mins its up to the top and ready to pour out the open cap. this is normal? yes i hope. I dont see oil in coolant, coolant in oil, or white smoke or have a smell of coolant, i dont see any leaks under the car. Idles right about 800rpm or so, no roughness.

 

It is normal,mine does that once in a while.

 

Generally speaking any time you open the radiator when cold, it should be to the top. After the thermostat opens is probably when you see the coolant rise because of flow through the radiator. Make sure your remote reservoir has the proper level, too.

 

remote resovoir has correct amount of anti-freeze. just out of curiousity shoebox... what if it keeps doing what its doing, what do you think? also I do appericate your reply as well 94f1z28

 

It could be that the level is staying constant, but that it actually needs a little more coolant. If the radiator cap is not functioning properly, it will never draw any coolant from the remote reservoir. You might consider getting a new cap (their cheap). Also when you replace it and the engine is cold, go ahead and fill up the radiator with coolant (you might want to open the bleeder screws when filling it). Then periodically check it to see what it is doing.

 

okie dokie, I will do that and I'll let u know how it goes. should i go with a stock cap from the dealer? or would a cap from lets say autozone do?

 

well I bought a new radiator cap for about $4 and its been about 100 miles more or less and my coolant has stayed right where it should be. guess my original radiator cap had a faulty seal...I assume. Just putting it out there incase any1 else has a similar prob.