Replaced Radiator and...woops

[4yotaguy]

So I decided to replace the radiator to prevent the ol' PM and I really fell asleep at the wheel...I put coolant into the overflow, but nothing into the radiator, set heat on high F & R and let it idle...Long story, but I was just exhausted after a long day...lol, so the engine made some rather loud tapping/knocking from the drivers side valve area then died. I was wondering why the temp gauge never went up, of course with no coolant that explains it....

I let it cool and filled the radiator, but still no heat and the temp gauge stays smack in the middle, but the engine feels hot and the upper return hose is hot... I used a Koyo rad, 50/50 Toyota Red and distilled water, has 125k on it, 00' auto. I lost a few cups of tranny fluid I have not topped off yet.

I was thinking the T-stat is stuck, but they usually get stuck open, when it restarted the knocking was gone, I see no coolant in the oil, but wanted some advice on burping or next steps...Thanks everyone!

 

[nissanh]

With a cool engine, open the radiator cap. OPEN THE CAP ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. Make sure coolant is full in the radiator. Start the engine and let it idle and warm up to the working temperature. You can see bubbles coming out and slowly the coolant level drops. Add more as the level drops.

Before heading out check the coolant lever in the radiator (not the reservoir tank) everyday in the morning when the engine is cold for about a week. The radiator and reservoir tank levels must stay the same if you burp it right.

 

[4yotaguy]

Awesome, I will give it a shot and let you know, thank you!

 

[Drcoffee]

Did it have toyota red coolant in there before? If not any residual green coolant will react badly with the red coolant. Hope you flushed the system really well.

What you can do to fill the system is to discoonect the heat hose in front of the passenger firewall and fill the radiator untill it wont take anymore. Reconnect the hose, start the engine with the rad cap off and as fluid flows out, seal the cap. It might take a few heat cycles to purge the air. Make sure you have filled the res all the way up. There is absolutely no harm in overfilling the res.

Did you change the thermostat at the same time? The jiggler has to be at the 6 o'clock position.

 

[4yotaguy]

Well good advice, seems a-ok now Hopefully I lucked out on this one.....thanks!!!