Coolant Level?

[meandmyprs]

I have a 2004 XLII and was curious as to how much engine coolant/anti-freeze should be in the resevoir that is in the engine compartment (top left)??

Thanks in Advance.

Brent

[garyde]

Hi Brent. You should be able to see the view glass , and it should be full. If the coolant drops below the glass, you will get a warning on the dash. The engine will shut down if the resevor is not full.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Do not fill much above the sight glass. Excess coolant due to expansion will just be purged via the overflow.

[meandmyprs]

thanks guys...the glass is half covered so I will add some. Is there any special type of coolant I should use (red or green)? sorry for the basic questions but I am learning my way through this.

Brent

[mike kerley]

Brent, I keep a gallon of Detroit coolant, purchased at the service center, if thats not available, I'd use distilled water.

Mike K

[BrianE]

Brent,

Suggest you do a search on "Coolant". There have been several threads dealing with the proper use and maintenance of coolant systems. The thread "Purging a Cooling System" is one of several. Use of automotive coolant is not recommended in diesel engines due to a high silicone content (thanks Oren). Generally speaking, mixing of red and green coolant is not recommended. Long life coolant is red in color and shouldn't be mixed with anything else. Aren't you glad you asked?