Coolant Overflow Tank

Hi all,

I've done some searches but still not sure what to do regarding this.

My radiator is always full to the brim with coolant but whenever I look at the expansion tank between the bumper and radiator it is always empty.

I would just like to know if I should put some 4Life which I have into the expansion tank, half or full or just leave it as it appears normal.

Assistance appreciated

Regards

Both the Supras I've owned have their expansion tanks elsewhere (towards the passenger side next to the battery), but they are marked with "MAX" & "MIN" levels - isn't yours?

The one in the gap in front of the radiator? It's a clear plastic container with pipes going into it.

Is it empty when its cold, it should be approximately half full.

Is it empty when its cold, it should be approximately half full.

Yeah. Empty when cold and hot, although the radiator is full when cold.

Yeah. Empty when cold and hot, although the radiator is full when cold.

Fill it approx halfway when cold then warm the car up and check the tank.

Fill it approx halfway when cold then warm the car up and check the tank.

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

So when cold the overflow should be halfway up and when hot should be higher?

The overflow tank is an expansion tank

So as the coolant gets hot it expands.

A couple of ways to do this

Get engine upto Full running temperatre and fill the tank to nearly full.

or

Let the engine cool off overnight and make sure you just enough coolant in the tank to cover the bottom of the pipe to prevent it sucking air in.

If when hot it over flows and when it cools it will take all the coolant out and leave with none causing air problems so you will need a larger expansion tank.