LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

low coolant light?

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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 10:38 AM
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Default low coolant light?

what does this mean?


lol, j/k, but seriously this light is on and will not go off. I have had problems with my coolant system before but had always just topped it off and it was fine. I recently added some leak stop type of additive to the radiator and then topped it off. the light came on again, so I checked the radiator and it is full. I even added a liter of water to the reservoir and the light is persistant.

maybe I have a clog somewhere and the coolant is not flowing correctly? I mean my temps have been as good as ever even sitting in traffic on a hot day I'll hit maybe 190. I am usually always just under 180 though.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 11:05 AM
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these sensors are notorious for going bad...think they are 35 bucks from advance or autozone and only takes about 30-45 min to change....just drain coolant to just under sensor...sensor is held on with one clip...swap and fill system...don't forget to bleed air out of system
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 11:08 AM
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ok thanks, what is the procedure for bleeding out the air? last time it was in the shop I had them do all of that fun stuff so I am not too familiar
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 12:55 PM
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Take advantage of the bleeder screws. Open them up at operating temperature a few times and the air bubbles will come out.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 01:06 PM
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Are you supposed to do it with the system pressurized at operating temp?

I have always run it with the cap off - goose the throttle a little to circulate the coolant (if its a new fill or significant amount), when the level drops in the radiator keep topping off. Then shut down and bleed. Rinse, lather, repeat.

Then take a ride and check it in a few miles (after cooling down) bleed again and fill if necessary.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by scottso
Are you supposed to do it with the system pressurized at operating temp?

I have always run it with the cap off - goose the throttle a little to circulate the coolant (if its a new fill or significant amount), when the level drops in the radiator keep topping off. Then shut down and bleed. Rinse, lather, repeat.

Then take a ride and check it in a few miles (after cooling down) bleed again and fill if necessary.
You can burp the system that way, but our cars have bleeder screws that make things easier. Yes, car should be operating temp. Use a flat head screw driver and open up the screws located beside the elbow. There are two, so you can go back and forth.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 01:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Ralls
You can burp the system that way, but our cars have bleeder screws that make things easier. Yes, car should be operating temp. Use a flat head screw driver and open up the screws located beside the elbow. There are two, so you can go back and forth.
Yes. Maybe I didn't make it clear. I do use the bleeders. But goosing it like I said keeps dropping the level. Then when it doesn't drop any more I go to the bleeders - at that point usually one bleed is sufficient. I just did a water pump and opti, twice (don't ask ). And that's the way I bled it out.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 01:33 PM
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Don't forget to close the bleeders before taking it out for a drive. I did just this last month when I put in my new radiator. What a mess.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 01:40 PM
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dont wet the opticrap lol
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 01:42 PM
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wow went to lunch and this thread blew up! thanks for all the input guys
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 06:54 PM
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or you could just leave it and be like every other lt1. i just forgot it was there
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 07:46 PM
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Try raising the front of the car too, that way the bleed screws are at the highest point in the system.

Sara Lou
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 07:46 PM
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Mine has been on for probably 2+ years. I've heard that just unplugging it will turn it off too but, I never think of it when I'm under the hood. I almost dont even notice the light anymore.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 09:18 PM
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unplug the sensor it is to much of a pain to change, i unpluged mine like 2 years ago, no more light for me.
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Old Jul 7, 2007 | 10:14 AM
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I don't like any lights on. Lower the coolant by the drain - its only a couple of inches worth. Replacing the sensor is a whopping 5 minute job. Better safe than sorry - if you get a coolant leak - you are going to want to know ASAP.
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