Radiator Reserve tank Empty after changing aircon fan motor

[Civictyper2014]

Today i notice only one of the fans are working when down to the workshop to check. mechanic say one of the fan motor spoiled and ask me to change 2 motors as the other one will spoiled soon.i told him to just changed the one that is spoiled . was quoted 180 for a aftermarket motor.

strange the other one not spoil ask me change also.

while changing it they also removed the radiator pipe connect to the engine. after changing, they top up abit of toyota premixed coolant into the radiator and reserve tank . i saw the radiator and tank was filled to the brim.

after 1 hrs drive back home due to traffic jam. i pop the bonnet to check on the fans if they are working. I noticed the radiator reserve tank was empty!!! i wanted to check my radiator but the engine was still hot and dangerous to open . so i decided tomorrow morning when it is cold i will check my radiator.

1st question : can i top up my reserve tank with tap water?

2nd question: i wonder how come the radiator was full and the mechanic top up abit of premised coolant but when i reached home the reserve tank empty.

 

any advice bros

[RadX]

no need to start 2 threads.

 

deleted one

[Civictyper2014]

sorry bro posted wrong thread

[Civictyper2014]

no ppl wanna help me

[Rampage79]

Your reserve tank is empty as the mechanic did not ensure that the cooling system is air free before capping the radiator. As the air purge it of the system, it takes in water from the reserve tank hence the reserve tank is empty.

 

When the car is cold, open up the radiator cap and top up with water. Also fill the reserve tank. Monitor again. The system should stabilise.

[Civictyper2014]

Your reserve tank is empty as the mechanic did not ensure that the cooling system is air free before capping the radiator. As the air purge it of the system, it takes in water from the reserve tank hence the reserve tank is empty.

 

When the car is cold, open up the radiator cap and top up with water. Also fill the reserve tank. Monitor again. The system should stabilise.

Thanks for advice bro, i am using the red toyota premixed coolant , now can i top up with tap water becos i do not have the premixed coolant with me now at home

[Rampage79]

Is fine to top up with tap water

[QQDreamer]

radiator better not to top up with tap water. your radiator will rust in no time. tap water contains many other substances. Use distilled water. Can get from NTUC easily.

[Heartbreakid]

Unless emergency, the radiator shld be top up with distill water or the premixed coolant. Tap water is known to induce rust within the cooling system.

 

I think the workshop is not doing it right. They should have run the engine and monitor the reserve tank level to ensure that air has been fully purged and top up the lowered coolant level in the reserve tank.

Edited July 12, 2014 by Heartbreakid

[Rampage79]

U guys don't scare him la. Radiator is made of aluminum. It will not rust.

 

With majority pre mixed coolant a little tap water is fine. Although distilled water is best, tap water is perfectly fine.

 

The cooling system will not have any problem using tap water.

[Kb27]

Tap water will leave behind mineral deposits.

Use it as a last resort if possible.

[Hamburger]

U guys don't scare him la. Radiator is made of aluminum. It will not rust.

 

With majority pre mixed coolant a little tap water is fine. Although distilled water is best, tap water is perfectly fine.

 

The cooling system will not have any problem using tap water.

 

but water pump, and engine blocks etc will rust.