How much coolant

[SuDZ]

I was curious how much coolant should go into the Z? Just fill it to the top or is there a certain amount it should be around?

SuDZ

[beandip]

With out looking it up I cant remember the exact ammount the systime holds and it will most likely depend on the year to some degree. I use one gal of antifreeze and fill the rad to the neck of the radiator , any excess will pass by the cap into a recovery bottle . Just watch the level for a while as there will be some air that may be trapped in the engine that will come out in time and you will need to refill some. The latest Sports Z magazine just did an article on this stuff .

[texasz]

Slightly off topic but I was under the impression that running straight water was bad due to the freeze temp, and running straight antifreeze was also bad do to the same reason. This is why you should run a mix, I have always run a 50/50 mix here in the heat of Texas. I think that the antifreeze bottles have a mixture chart on the back of them but I do not have one and can not remember.

As far as the amount, I would agree. Just fill it up and watch the level, I also would keep some in the overflow bottle.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by mperdue

Yup the water/antifreeze mixture has a lower freezing point and a higher boiling point than straight water.

A mixture of water AND anti-freeze has a higher boiling point and lower frezing point than straight anti-freeze or straight water would have.

[SuDZ]

Thanks guys. Flushed the coolant over the weekend and let it run for a while to check to see how much it sucked up after being run for a while. I am hoping this (along with a thermostat I replaced) will take care of my overheating issue.

SuDZ

[Royce]

I notice a lot of folks talking about overflow tanks! Since the 240Z's didn't come with such an item I was curious what you folks are using. I have been considering adding one but haven't spent much time getting my plan together.

SuDZ,

If I remember correctly the Z holds about 2 gallons, but then I guess you figured that out now that the job is done. A mix of 50/50 is good. Also, best to flush it every couple years and use good water, low mineral content like distilled water. This will help keep deposit buildup to a minimum. You cannot overfill the system. If you don't have an overflow tank the car will spit out a bit when the engine is warmed up. Usually, the level will be about 3/4" from the top without an overflow bottle. Also, I have always been told to warm up the car and let the car idle for a few minutes with the radiator cap off to help "burp" the system. You may not notice anything happening but it is supposed to let any air pockets out of the system. Not sure if it really helps but it couldn't hurt! If you do this be sure to put the radiator cap back on before you turn off the engine!

Have fun!

[beandip]

One thing that was not mentioned is that the anti freze acts as a anti rust also. this is what the 50/50 mix does for you . If you replaced the thermostat I hope you used a factory origional one , and put the vent hole toward the driver side . I am glad to see this addressed in the latest issue of SPORTS Z Magazine.

[Mr Camouflage]

Originally posted by mperdue

Yup the water/antifreeze mixture has a lower freezing point and a higher boiling point than straight water.

Originally posted by BambiKiller240

A mixture of water AND anti-freeze has a higher boiling point and lower frezing point than straight anti-freeze or straight water would have.

So you are both saying the same thing then.

Doesnt freeze here in australia too often, what about anti-boil?