Engine coolant below minimum
 

I was checking my fluids this afternoon and noticed the engine coolant has gotten below the minimum line on the extra tank. There is still fluid in the tank, just not a lot. The car is an 03 and I am not sure what kind of coolant is in there. It is the factory fluid I am sure but I am not sure which factory fluid as I understand there are two kinds?? Anyways, I want the long lasting stuff (blue it think) and was wondering if I should just pour some in the top of the tank to get the level back up, then flush it out next weekend and change all of the coolant. Or can I wait until next weekend and flush it out and replace it while I am doing some other fluid changes? I dont have time this weekend to flush everything and I just want to make sure it is ok to go until next weekend before adding more. Will this be ok? Thanks.

As long as there is some fluid in the reservoir you are okay; To double check your coolant open the radiator cap when the engine is cold, you should see coolant level up to the neck of the radiator. Get the Honda long life coolant fluid, it is what in your car now.

Cannot stress the "cold" part enough.

Be very careful.

Yes, if its warm it'll be under pressure and by opening the cap well...if you ever saw "The Mummy" when they opened the ancient chest and all the acid sprayed out...it'll be the same but instead of acid it'll be hot coolant.

b00stn Posted on Nov 25 2006, 09:31 PM
Was that with the engine hot or cold?
Does the level still change when the engine gets hot?
If it is low when cold and higher when hot there is nothing wrong IMO.

If the level stays low all the time... the level in the radiator migh be lower then you think (or want).

As mentioned : check the radiator with a cold engine.

:hello:

Why not just toss some coolant in the tank? If the radiator's low, it should suck it in the next time you get it hot.

It's a fairly closed system, you shouldn't ever need to add fluid unless you have a leak. Do you have a leak?

The engine was warm. Not hot but still warm to the touch. I will check again in the AM after everything is completely cool. I have never noticed a leak. I park in a garage and always keep an eye on the floor for any kind of fluids. I bought two jugs of engine coolant from Honda today. They said it is the long lasting stuff. The tech just recommended filling up the reservoir for now, then change the fluid when I want. Do you guys agree with that?

Should I fill the reservoir to the mid point between min and max when it is cold?

Ummm, isn't the coolant part water? If you're low don't you just top up with water?

[QUOTE=b00stn,Nov 26 2006, 12:20 AM]The tech just recommended filling up the reservoir for now, then change the fluid when I want.

The Honda coolant is pre-mixed. There is no need to mix water with coolant as it is already premixed by Honda. The system should be topped off straight from the container.