so i just did the thermostat on my car. the extended torx made the job a breeze, but when i put it all back together the cooling system is not taking the same amount of coolant as i took out. (about 1.5-2 gallons) i filled the tank. let it settle. filled it again. started the car and let it warmup. now at normal temp its not topping off. is this normal?

the radiator looks pretty new too.

should i just take it for a spin then come back and top it off?

 

this is about the spot my temp guage likes to hangout. does that seem normal?

i am used to my honda and it would never go above 1/3 the way up.

 

Give the upper radiator hose a couple of squeezes, should be firm and full of coolant, if not you might hear some air getting squeezed into the recovery tank.

Is that a pic of your temp gauge before or after the change? It does seem to be a little on the high side of normal but nothing too alarming.

 

She needs to burp. Make sure your levels are up and drive it. Monitor it closely for a couple days.

The gauge looks fine, thats about where mine sits, a little lower in winter.

 

i took it for a spin to my dads about 3 miles away. got home checked level and it was still at max in tank. squeezed the upper hose and did indeed hear the bubbling. i think it was bubbles being pushed past thermostat. but i am gonna check it before i hit road to work and maybe it'll be taking the rest soon.

yes that is a pic of the guage after the thermo swap. i'll watch it closely. hope all is well with my wagon.