Coolant overfill damage: DON'T exceed the maximum indicated level
This video shows a real example of what happens when you add too much engine coolant in the system or the coolant overflow/expansion bottle.
Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and water(distiled), usually in a 50-50 ratio. It also contains inhibitors to prevent corrosion or rust buildup. Because coolant is a liquid, mainly water, it can evaporate due to heat. While engine cooling systems are similar there are differences.
In the video I show you a cooling system that has a radiator and radiator cap that connects to an overflow or reserve tank. This tank is not presurized, so coolant in this tank is subject to evaporation. The overflow tank cap isnt sealed tight by design. If the cooling system becomes pressurized more than it should be, coolant can escape through the cap. This is to prevent putting pressure on other parts of the cooling system. We do not want any other hose, seal or part to fail due to excessive pressure.
By adding more coolannt, above the maximum level mentioned on the reservoir tank, extra pressure is created. This weakened the reservoir tank cap. I have seen this cap crack over time under pressure. In this case the cap was also overtightened. With the cap already getting weak structurally, it cracked.
If your coolant is dropping rapidly from the maximum to minimum level within a couple of weeks you must inspect your system for leaks. It is hard to visually see coolant leaks as it evaporates quickly. Some white residue may be left behind due to non water composition that is mixed.
As the coolant cools, it contracts and will be sucked into the radiator (whatever it can) from the tank. If the reservoir tank has fluid, there is no need to open the radiator cap. If the tank is empty (or near empty) then yes check/fill the radiator first as you may overall be low on coolant. This is assuming of course if you have no leaks in your cooling system, then just topping up the reservoir isnt enough.
Never fill beyond the max level for your reserve or expansion tank. The remaining part of the empty bottle is to allow for coolant expansion, as coolant expands when hot. The expanded hot coolant will be dumped into the reservoir tank. When topping up your coolant, use the same brand. Mixing coolants can be disasterous and destroy your cooling system which will then destroy your engine. You can buy premixed coolant from different manufacturers. You could also be concentrate and mix your own coolant, but this is more trouble than its worth.
If you have overfilled coolant, in most cases it is easier to remove a non pressurized coolant overflow (reservoir) tank. For a presurized expansion tank, it is also removable but you have to make sure you reconnect the hose from the radiator properly. Make sure the hose clamp is done properly. You could also use a long turkey baster or syringe.
If your coolant starts to overflow frequently this could indicate a problem with your head gasket, where combustion gases produced inside the engine enters into the cooling system. It could also happen due to a faulty radiator cap, a damaged thermostat or a clogged radiator.
Coolant is meant to be replaced after a certain amount of miles/kms or time. The owners manual do state the change interval. If you fail to change it, it eventually loses its properties which protect the coolant from extreme temperature and your engine cooling system from rust.
0:00 What the driver did
1:22 Removing the coolant reservoir tank
1:38 Replacing the damaged part
2:54 Reinstalling the coolant reservoir tank
3:52 Coolant top-up, conclusion
Honda Part numbers:
19102-RNA-A00: Cap, Reserve tank
19106-RSA-G00: Joint, Reserve tank
Models:
Honda FIT / Jazz 1st, 2nd & 3rd gen (2001-2020)
Honda City 5th and 6th gen (2009-2020)
Honda BRV 1st gen (2016-2021)
Honda Brio 1st gen (2011-2020)
Honda Accord 10th gen (2017-2022)
Honda Civic 8th and 9th gen (2006-2015)
Honda CRV 3rd, 4th and 5th gen (2007-2022)
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Music by Sergii Pavkin - a long way
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#coolant #diy #carmaintenance #tutorial #vehiclecare #coolantleak #cartips
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Coolant damage due to overfilling
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