Coolant refill problem

[RaspMetalicMX3SE]

I changed out my radiator this week and ran a hose through the block to flush it all out with the stat removed also. I plan on doing a temperary headgasket fix so when refilling the coolant i left out the stat. for when it's to time put in the other stuff for the temp fix as recomended. Anyways i could only get like 4 1/8 quarts in when filling it up before it was full. i followed the instructions per the workshop manual. It is supposed to take just shy of 8 quarts or 2 gallons. anyone know whats up?

[wytbishop]

Ya got yerself a big ol' air bubble. So fill the rad and the engine as much as you can. Put the rad cap on but leave the engine cap off and start the engine. As the water pump circulates the coolant you air bubble will be pumped to the top and the coolant level will go down. Just keep topping it up until it stops going down. Should take about a minute to pump all the air out. Once it's full put about a quart in the overflow tank and you're go to go.

[RaspMetalicMX3SE]

I really hope this doesnt matter but i used a MX-6 radiator which was quite cheaper than an MX-3 one. Only thing it was missing compared to the MX-3 one is the port in the middle of the verticle side that that bottom tube of the resivour where u fill the acutal radiator attaches onto i just caped it off but is still connected at the top. I know the coolant is flowing through thow cause the rad was getting warm/hot

[RaspMetalicMX3SE]

Btw i forgot to add that i did just run it with the cap off and the level never went down. not sure if i have to get it up to full running temp though it was only running for like 5 mins and the motor was completely cool before starting

[Sleeper6]

Is yours a red one with two giant hella lights on the front? Just asking b/c I see that one in the city all the time (I work in penfield) Might be able to stop by and lend you a hand if yould like

[RaspMetalicMX3SE]

No Ive driven mine like 5,000-6,000 miles within the last 3 years. So not very much. I live out in Brockport so when I do drive its usually not too far. It's a SE and has a custom orange paintjob now used to be raspberry metalic.

[mazdags94]

Btw i forgot to add that i did just run it with the cap off and the level never went down. not sure if i have to get it up to full running temp though it was only running for like 5 mins and the motor was completely cool before starting

If you removed the thermostat then you wouldn't have to wait for it to warm up (as the system should already be wide open).

If you're seeing bubbles come out, then it's working. The level may not go down as fast as you would think since mine did not. You may have to wait a bit to push those bubbles out before you add more coolant.

[Daninski]

With the caps on grab the hose above the TB and squeeze it repeatedly. This will help force air out of the system.

[MrMazda92]

Perfect example of a question asked properly, and answered properly.

I have nothing to add but compliments guys. This is how we should always work together!

[johnmx3ze]

how did you cap it? what did you use?

[RaspMetalicMX3SE]

actually the new radiator came with one of the ports capped off and since i needed to use that port also i removed it and placed it on the one on the bottom of the neck. It's basically like a rubber cup held on with a radiator clamp

[johnmx3ze]

im looking for 2 caps like that...

[wytbishop]

Those caps are just for keeping crap out during storage and shipping etc. They are not rated for engine temps. FYI.

[RaspMetalicMX3SE]

good call on that bishop.... ill have to def keep an eye on it