Coolant level

[LSCmuscle]

While getting the lincoln out for the summer, I noticed that the coolant reservoir was about a 1/4-1/2 inch below the "Cold-Full" line. I'm not sure how/why it's a little low, there are no coolant leaks and the car doesn't run hot.

Anyways, is it fine to just top it off at the reservoir or do I need to go through the process of filling it through the crossover tube? Sorry for the noob question, but when I searched it only referred to cars with over heating issues or systems that had been completely drained.

 

[billcu]

Yes, you can just top that off, just keep an eye on the temp, but it should be fine.

 

[driller]

If I suspect any coolant loss (or after any recent cooling system service), I always 'cold check' the system at the coolant crossover plug. To do this properly you must do this before opening the reservoir, preferably after sitting overnight or longer. If the coolant tube is full, simply replace the plug and top off the reservoir as required to bring it to the full cold level.

If the coolant tube is not full, fill as required before replacing the plug and then check the reservoir.

Repeat this cold check the next day until the system shows no loss at either the coolant tube or the reservoir. If you have to continuously add coolant (even small amounts), you need to start looking for the source of the loss of coolant.

Also, make sure the car is not parked on an incline when checking the coolant. But it sometimes help when burping the cooling system to have the front end higher, like when on a set of ramps.

 

[LSCmuscle]

If I suspect any coolant loss (or after any recent cooling system service), I always 'cold check' the system at the coolant crossover plug. To do this properly you must do this before opening the reservoir, preferably after sitting overnight or longer. If the coolant tube is full, simply replace the plug and top off the reservoir as required to bring it to the full cold level.

If the coolant tube is not full, fill as required before replacing the plug and then check the reservoir.

Repeat this cold check the next day until the system shows no loss at either the coolant tube or the reservoir. If you have to continuously add coolant (even small amounts), you need to start looking for the source of the loss of coolant.

Also, make sure the car is not parked on an incline when checking the coolant. But it sometimes help when burping the cooling system to have the front end higher, like when on a set of ramps.

I won't have a chance to get to it until Friday so it'll definitely be cooled lol. Guess I'll wrestle with the crossover plug as you suggested before topping off the coolant reservoir. What exactly would a full crossover be, spilling out when the plug is removed or just visible fluid in the tube? After doing the initial "cold check" I assume I bring the car to operating temps then allow to cool over night befire repating the process. If the system does indeed need more fluid at either location, what could be the culprit? Given the fact the car hasn't/doesn't run hot, I would think there is no air pocket. Also the car stays parked over a tarp in a level storage unit and has never shown any signs of external leaks or anything in the oil.

 

[driller]

The coolant crossover tube should be full to the bottom of the plug and will not spill out when the plug is removed. Just be certain it is checked cold and the reservoir is not opened until the coolant plug is replaced.

Any small leak at the radiator end cap(s) can go on for quite a while before there is any noticeable external leak since most of it will evaporate or be blown away. Same with perhaps a water pump though it is somewhat easier to notice. Hose leaks are generally easy to find and you will not have any problem confirming any oil filter adapter gasket leak.

A 1/4" to 1/2" below the full cold level in the reservoir is not very much over any extended time frame. Unless it starts becoming more frequent, I would not worry any. A true slow drip-type leak while at operating temperature under pressure is very difficult to locate but it does add up over time.

 

[LSCmuscle]

--Small Update--

Finally had a chance to give the lincoln some attention over the weekend. The crossover plug came off surprisingly easy . Upon removing the plug, a good amount of fluid came bubbling out. I allowed it to level off, recapped it and then topped off the reservoir which was closer to 1 1/2" down at this point. I then took the car for a short spin and ran the heater on high. Temps stayed directly in the middle. Figured I'll let it sit for a few days then recheck it. Thanks for the help.