Coolant reservoir — I messed up

Aragorn · 12-23-2020, 01:12 PM

So the other day I topped off the main reservoir and the one right next to it with the very small opening. Unfortunately I didn’t secure the cap on the small one very well and now the big reservoir looks full, all the way to the cap. My question is how can I fix this? Is it possible both containers will regulate? Thank you

ctrlz · 12-23-2020, 01:19 PM

Top one should be full. Bottom one filled to the fill line.
If you filled the bottom one you can probably drain to the fill line using the pump and tube from an old hand soap dispenser. Just rinse it first so you don't get soap in the reservoir.

craigss50 · 12-23-2020, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctrlz

Top one should be full. Bottom one filled to the fill line.
If you filled the bottom one you can probably drain to the fill line using the pump and tube from an old hand soap dispenser. Just rinse it first so you don't get soap in the reservoir.

What a good idea. Never though of using those soap pumps for other applications.

ctrlz · 12-23-2020, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigss50

What a good idea. Never though of using those soap pumps for other applications.

Thanks! With COVID, I figured everybody has a few of these around!

Aragorn · 12-23-2020, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctrlz

Top one should be full. Bottom one filled to the fill line.
If you filled the bottom one you can probably drain to the fill line using the pump and tube from an old hand soap dispenser. Just rinse it first so you don't get soap in the reservoir.

Ok, then I might be in good shape, thanks!

arpad_m · 12-23-2020, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

Ok, then I might be in good shape, thanks!

For the record, this is what the reservoirs need to look like. The top one needs to be full at all times, and is "automagically" (vacuum) replenished from the bottom chamber, see explanation below.

Aragorn · 12-24-2020, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

For the record, this is what the reservoirs need to look like. The top one needs to be full at all times, and is "automagically" (vacuum) replenished from the bottom chamber, see explanation below.

Thank you for pulling that info!

arpad_m · 12-24-2020, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

Thank you for pulling that info!

You're welcome, happy to help anytime.

laynlo15 · 12-24-2020, 10:57 AM

If you ever need to drain the top reservoir I use a Turkey baster to pull the fluid out. Works great and I also used that on the reservoir for the SC if you have a Magnuson.

rastrophuck · 12-24-2020, 03:20 PM

Is post #6 specific to ZL1 or a NA 8cyl also?

SSDan · 12-24-2020, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rastrophuck

Is post #6 specific to ZL1 or a NA 8cyl also?

It applies to your SS as well.

Allez · 12-25-2020, 08:19 PM

So my understanding is that this is closed system. So how much coolant loss over time is normal?

Joshinator99 · 12-25-2020, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allez

So my understanding is that this is closed system. So how much coolant loss over time is normal?

Zero.

Allez · 12-25-2020, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

Zero.

I know that's the case in theory. Is it true in practice as well? No one should need to add any coolant ever?

My 2016 has approximately 15,000 miles, and the lower reservoir is empty so I'll be going through the refill process. Should I be looking for a leak also? I certainly haven't noticed any leak on the garage floor.

12-23-2020, 01:12 PM	#1
Aragorn Account Suspended Drives: Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,538	Coolant reservoir — I messed up So the other day I topped off the main reservoir and the one right next to it with the very small opening. Unfortunately I didn’t secure the cap on the small one very well and now the big reservoir looks full, all the way to the cap. My question is how can I fix this? Is it possible both containers will regulate? Thank you

12-24-2020, 10:57 AM	#9
laynlo15 Drives: 2022 Lt1 A10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: clark, mo Posts: 8,860	If you ever need to drain the top reservoir I use a Turkey baster to pull the fluid out. Works great and I also used that on the reservoir for the SC if you have a Magnuson. __________________ 2022 Lt1 6.2 A10, Maggie 2300, THPSI Port Inj/10 rib, Rotofab, E, Nickey, SCOL, Griptech, RC Bandits, Hoosiers/MT 9.80@142.96 1.44 60ft, 6.34@112 707/669 RWHP/TRQ. 16SS Maggie 2650 9.41@147 1.35 60ft, 5.99@119. 16 C7 A8 10.90@128 Bolt on stuff

12-23-2020, 01:19 PM	#2
ctrlz Drives: 2017 2SS, 50th pkg, M6, MRC, NPP Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 3,178	Top one should be full. Bottom one filled to the fill line. If you filled the bottom one you can probably drain to the fill line using the pump and tube from an old hand soap dispenser. Just rinse it first so you don't get soap in the reservoir.

12-24-2020, 03:20 PM	#10
rastrophuck Drives: Camaro 2SS convertible Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Europe Posts: 10	Is post #6 specific to ZL1 or a NA 8cyl also?

12-25-2020, 08:19 PM	#12
Allez Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Maryland Posts: 794	So my understanding is that this is closed system. So how much coolant loss over time is normal?

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