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My coolant reservoir was empty...

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Old 09-13-2015, 07:42 PM
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My coolant reservoir was empty...

So i got the car in june, i was completelly illeterate when it comes to cars aside from checking he oil level,

as i started reading the diys etc and started to get to know more about my car i noticed the coolant reservoir is almost empty and its blueish,

im pretty sure its been at that level ever since i got the car as i dont ever recall seeing it full at all

Question!

Since the coolant is blueish is this normal? I only know orange and green coolant but i read somwwhere that acura has some extended life coolant thats blue, i want to get the coolant at the dealer, what type of coolant should i get? I dont want to pay 300$ for a coolant inspection from the dealer
Old 09-13-2015, 08:02 PM
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If you still see a little coolant in the reservoir, you should be fine.
I drove around with low coolant for a while, because my mechanic didn't top it back up when he changed the timing belt/water pump I realized it when I was on my 6 hour drive back to my hometown and freaked out. Drove home the rest of the way and just filled the reservoir back up.

The blue coolant is Honda coolant.

Buy the jug of coolant at the dealer, i think they usually only carry one type, the "Type 2" one. i remember it was like 15 bucks or so.

Top it off, and rock on
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ggesq (09-13-2015)
Old 09-13-2015, 09:55 PM
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My reservoir cap busted last week, and has still been running just fine. Ive been nervous keeping an eye on that Temp, but its been good. Need to hurry up and replace it though. Hate to have huge problems over something that can be fixed with just a few dollars.
Old 09-13-2015, 11:09 PM
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I was doing some work on my car this weekend and realized the same thing. in fact its a common problem on our cars, the radiator cap cracks at the very top. I just picked up some honda type 2 oem coolant on amazon for 23. Premixed with water and ready to go! IIRC a gallon would be all you need. Can some one second this?
Old 09-13-2015, 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by cacheflowe
I just picked up some honda type 2 oem coolant on amazon for 23. Premixed with water and ready to go! IIRC a gallon would be all you need. Can some one second this?
One gallon is fine if you're refilling the coolant reservoir only, and not the entire system.

Remember to open the radiator cap and check the radiator coolant level first if the reservoir coolant level is really low.
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cacheflowe (09-14-2015)
Old 09-13-2015, 11:45 PM
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Since we're on a coolant thread and the OP's question is answered, I'm going to threadjack!

I'm installing an engine block heater in the next few weeks and will be draining some coolant during the install. Is it OK to reuse this coolant, or should I just install new coolant? The current stuff is about 1.5 years old, fewer than 10k miles. I also have some coolant still in the jug from that process - can I use that stuff, or does it age (like brake fluid)? Thanks for helping educate me!
Old 09-13-2015, 11:53 PM
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i dont believe it ages - it gets dirty i believe which is why people change it.

as long as your jug isn't dirty you should be fine
Old 09-13-2015, 11:54 PM
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My coolant reservoir was empty...

Originally Posted by triax37
Since we're on a coolant thread and the OP's question is answered, I'm going to threadjack!

I'm installing an engine block heater in the next few weeks and will be draining some coolant during the install. Is it OK to reuse this coolant, or should I just install new coolant? The current stuff is about 1.5 years old, fewer than 10k miles. I also have some coolant still in the jug from that process - can I use that stuff, or does it age (like brake fluid)? Thanks for helping educate me!
Don't be cheap and this is coming from an ...

Use the stuff in the jug, it's not hygroscopic like brake fluid and even if it were.. Coolant absorbing water is no problem it's primarily water anyway!


Don't use the stuff that you drained although technically you could.. Why bother though ya know?
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Old 09-14-2015, 12:08 AM
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Thanks Will!

Great thread with lots of relevant info:
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...n-fill-856711/
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triax37 (09-14-2015)
Old 09-14-2015, 09:39 AM
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This seemed interesting as well, for people that want to know how cooling systems work:

https://catiatutorialv5.wordpress.co...ooling-system/
Old 01-26-2016, 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Lucrativesoldier
My reservoir cap busted last week, and has still been running just fine. Ive been nervous keeping an eye on that Temp, but its been good. Need to hurry up and replace it though. Hate to have huge problems over something that can be fixed with just a few dollars.
My cap broke this summer too. I replaced it and everything was fine again until today. I have no heat and the reservoir tank is very low today for some reason.
Old 01-27-2016, 10:34 AM
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Are you certain that it was the COOLANT? not the windshield washer fluid? (OP) and damn I just realized how old this thread is
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