Did I do something wrong? Which coolant cap is which? HELP!

Tiny
TURTLE87
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MAZDA MILLENIA
  • 11,600 MILES
I have a mazda millenia '01: the engine ran hot the other day so after letting it cool I checked the fluids. Only problem, though major, was that my coolant reservoir was empty. I also opened the 2nd coolant cap by the engine that according to the manual is designed for refilling and flushing the coolant system: it was dry as well. SO I added antifreeze to the reservoir full line and added some to the other spot as well. I ran the car with the flush cap off for a minute or so to get the air out. I put a brown paper bag under the engine to check for leaks. A day and a half later: no leaks, reservoir is full, and the flush pipe appears overflowing. What do I do! Also I have heard that the 2 coolant caps appear identical but if placed on the wrong spot that that could lead to all my coolant escaping. Is that true? IF so which cap is which?
Thursday, September 6th, 2012 AT 8:35 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I would be more concerned as to why is loosing the fluid. The caps are different but with different pressures.

Have the system checked before you do engine damage

Roy
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Thursday, September 6th, 2012 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
TURTLE87
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I am concerned. I plan on taking it in to get checked, I am just concerned that I overfilled or did something wrong and shouldn't drive it?
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Thursday, September 6th, 2012 AT 8:49 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No, you did not do anything wrong. Get it checked asap.

Roy
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Friday, September 7th, 2012 AT 12:40 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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There is a leak somewhere causing the reservoir and radiator to be dry. The leak seems to be minimal which is why you woun't be able to see any.

You need to check the system for leaks which requires a pressure test and hope that the overheating did not do any major damages.
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Friday, September 7th, 2012 AT 4:38 AM
Tiny
TURTLE87
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for all the advice. I took it to a shop today, they did the pressure test and found a small crack near my fans where the radiator fluid seems to be leaking a small amount from (which is why I never saw signs of a leak), so i'll be keeping a much closer eye on that from now on. There didn't appear to be any damage. Thanks again.
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Friday, September 7th, 2012 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
You're welcome.
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Friday, September 7th, 2012 AT 6:58 PM

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