cjjackson2400

I was checking my fluids this evening and notice my restivoir barely had any coolant in it what should I do..what would cause this?

djb383

Add coolant to between the 2 marks, on the bottle, and keep an eye on it. Coolant level in the bottle should rise a little (hot motor) and fall a little (cold motor)........presuming you rad cap is functioning correctly and u have no leaks. Check it daily for a while and see what's going on.

cjjackson2400

ok ill give it a shot tom..thanks dude

tjwalker

Good advice. Fill to the correct mark and check it religiously.

If it continues to go down, you are either leaking it or burning it. First step would be a comprehensive search for a LEAK.

cjjackson2400

After I turn it off I hear what sounds like running water idk if that has anything to do with it

onew1ckedxj

I would check around for possible leaks . . noticed my coolant was low one day and ended up having a huge crack in my radiator

tjwalker

That's normal. Fluids settle when an engine is turned off.

Keep an eye on that reservoir.

But now that you are thinking about coolant, when is the last time the coolant was flushed and filled? When was the last thermostat?

With cooling system maintenance, it's "pay me now or pay me a lot more later"

cjjackson2400

To be honest couldn't tell you I know its been a while because its brown im calling my shop tomorrow for a quote on a flush. I bought it 5 or so months back I've done everything else but the coolant system..what do I need to ask about when I call tomorrow besides a flush?

tjwalker

Brown coolant = bad news. Bad for every part of your cooling system.

A flush/fill is a must. You may even have to do more than one of these over time depending on how abused the coolant is.

When you have the flush/fill, have a new 195 degree thermostat installed. FOR SURE.

*Also inspect every hose. They can start rotting from the inside out so replacing all 4 of them is not going to be wrong if they are old.

*New radiator cap, or at least PRESSURE TEST the cap. New caps are $5.00. Why not spring for one.......

cjjackson2400

how much do those 195 thermostats run and wheres a good place to get them ive had bad luck with advanced auto?

tjwalker

I buy two brands of stats and two brands only.

1. Directly from Jeep. Great stats

2. The Stant SuperStat is also very good.

Remember to go with 195 degree only, as there may be other temp. options.

You get what you pay for with thermostats. Don't buy an "el-cheapo".

cjjackson2400

ok cool man i appritiate all the help..how often do i need to replace the t stats?

tjwalker

I go 60k on thermostats. Considering how often they open and shut, that is a good service life.

Leave them in too long and they will start to disintegrate.

cjjackson2400

Ok thanks for the advice man