How Do I Add Engine Coolant in Vehicles
by Contributing WriterUpdated June 12, 2017The coolant system in a Vehicles is very similar to the coolant system in a car. The radiator stores and cools down the coolant after it has been circulated through the engine. Checking the coolant level in your Vehicles on a regular basis will help ensure that the Vehicles engine does not overheat. If you find yourself constantly pouring coolant into the radiator, it may be time to have the coolant system pressure-tested and checked Vehicles leaks.
Under The Hood:
- How Do I [Add Engine Coolant](https://itstillruns.com/how-to-add-engine-coolant-13579578.html) in a Pontiac Montana? * How to Add [Engine Coolant](https://itstillruns.com/what-is-engine-coolant-13579658.html) in a 1994 Buick * How to Add Engine Coolant to Trucks * How to Add Engine Coolant to a Chevrolet Astro Van
How Do I Add Engine Coolant in a Pontiac Montana?
Allow the engine to cool completely if it has been running. The coolant level will not be accurate unless the engine is cool.
Raise the hood of your Montana van. Locate the coolant recovery tank on the driver's side of the engine compartment, between the air cleaner and the firewall.
Lift the cover off the recovery tank. Add a 50/50 mixture of clean water and anti-freeze to the recovery tank until the coolant level reaches the "FULL COLD" marker level on the tank. Insert a funnel into the fill area if needed to avoid spilling coolant on the engine.
Close the cover of the recovery tank by pushing it back onto the fill opening.
Items you will need
50/50 mixture of coolant and clean water
Funnel (optional)
How to Add Engine Coolant in a 1994 Buick
Open the engine hood by pulling the hood release tab located under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. Secure the hood in the open position with the hood prop.
Remove the radiator cap from the filler spout on top of the radiator by turning the cap counterclockwise. Never remove the radiator cap when your Buick is hot, because the coolant system is pressurized.
Pour a mixture that is half distilled water and half Dex-Cool antifreeze into the filler spout of the radiator until the fluid level is within one inch of the top of the filler spout.
Start the Buick engine. Turn the heater on to its highest level. Let the vehicle idle for about five minutes to purge the radiator of any air in the system. Turn off the Buick engine. Add fluid until the fluid level is within one inch of the top of the filler spout.
Put the radiator cap back on the radiator filler spout by turning the cap clockwise.
Items you will need
Distilled water
Dex-Cool antifreeze
How to Add Engine Coolant to Trucks
Open the hood of the truck for access to the engine compartment. Locate the radiator in the front of the engine compartment, just behind the truck's front grille.
Twist the pressure cap on the radiator counterclockwise to remove it from the radiator. Place the cap to the side.
Pour in a gallon of antifreeze into the radiator. Fill the gallon container with water and pour the water into the radiator.
Inspect the level of the radiator by looking into the neck of the radiator. The coolant will come up to the radiator's neck when the radiator is full.
Repeat filling with antifreeze and water until the level is visible. This will ensure the coolant is properly mixed.
Start the truck and allow it to idle, with the pressure cap removed from the radiator. As the truck warms up, the level in the radiator will drop.
Pour in additional antifreeze and water, until the coolant is visible at the neck of the radiator. Tighten the cap onto the radiator once the radiator is full.
Inspect the radiator, radiator hose and front of the engine to ensure there are no leaks in the coolant system.
Items you will need
3 gallons of anti-freeze
3 gallons of water
How to Add Engine Coolant to a Chevrolet Astro Van
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least two hours before working on it.
Pop the hood and locate the radiator cap. It's located on the radiator at the front of the engine, behind the grille.
Try placing your bare hand flat on the radiator cap before you open it to make sure you're not at risk to burn yourself.
Press down on the cap and turn it counter-clockwise until it opens. This will give you access to the coolant.
Pour in the 50-50 pre-dilluted coolant into the radiator cap, taking care not to spill it. Pre-dilluted coolant is a mixture of distilled water and coolant in one container. Alternatively, you could mix the products yourself in a bucket, but this method is easier and cheaper.
Pour the pre-dilluted coolant into the tank until it gets to the top of the radiator. Once it does, replace the cap.
Let the engine run for 20 minutes with the heater on high. Then let it sit for three hours and check the coolant again. If the level has dropped, add more coolant.
Items you will need
1 gallon 50-50 pre-diluted coolant