engine coolant BUICK REGAL 1994 User Guide

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
NOTICE:
Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure could cause your
engine to overheat and
be severely damaged.
. ..,
1. You can remove the
radiator pressure cap when
the
cooling system,
including the
radiator pressure
cap and upper
radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
2.
Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops.
(Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means
there
is still some pressure left.
Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn
it. Remove the pressure cap.
192
ProCarManuals.com

3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed
valve
or valves.
3.1L
V6 (VIN Code T or M): There are two bleed
valves. One
is located on the thermostat housing.
The
other is located on the thermostat bypass tube.
193
ProCarManuals.com

1
S
3.8L V6 (VIN Code L27): There is one bleed valve.
It is located on the thermostat housing.
:'
4. Fill the radiator with the proper
mix, up to the base
of the filler neck.
.,
If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air
bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close the valve(s) after the radiator
is filled.
5. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and compartment.
194
ProCarManuals.com

6. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to “COLD.”
7. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave
the radiator pressure cap off.
A
8. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine
fan( s).
9. By this time the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may
be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mix through the filler neck
until
the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
195
ProCarManuals.com

10. Then replace the pressure cap. At
any time during this
procedure
if coolant
begins to flow out
of the filler neck,
reinstall the
pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows on
pressure cap line up
like this.
11. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level
in
the coolant recovery tank should be at the “HOT”
mark when the engine is hot or at the “COLD” mark
when the engine is cold.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially
if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out
of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a
stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require
the same correction you’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go.
It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake
to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next section shows how to use
your jacking equipment to change
a flat tire safely.
ProCarManuals.com

Part 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your Buick . This part begins with service and fuel information. and
then
it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels . There is also technical information about your
vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care
.
Part 6 includes:
Service ........................................................................\
.. 208
Fuel
........................................................................\
..... 209
HoodRelease
..................................................................... 212
Engineoil
....................................................................... \
214
Aircleaner
....................................................................... \
219
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
................................................... : ....... 220
Enginecoolant
.................................................................... 223
PowerSteeringFluid
............................................................... 226
Windshield Washer Fluid
............................................................ 227
Brakes
........................................................................\
... 228
Battery
........................................................................\
.. 231
LoadingYourVehicle
............................................................... 235
Tires
........................................................................\
.... 236
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.................................................. 253
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... ’. ................................... 254
Capacities and Specifications
......................................................... 260
BulbReplacement
................................................................. 232
Appearancecare
.................................................................. 244
207
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder. If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater”
in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails
with soap and
water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of
oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own
oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing
oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of
oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
Air Cleaner
The air cleaner is in the right front area of the engine
compartment.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the Index.
219
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM Specification
1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush
and refill.
If you use this mixture, you don’t need to add
anything else.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
‘and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
223
ProCarManuals.com

Adding Coolant
The coolant recovery tank is located at the left of the
engine compartment.
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
“COLD” or a little higher. When your engine is warm,
the level should be up to
“HOT” or a little higher.
LOW
COOLANT
If this light comes on,
it means you’re low on
engine coolant.
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. (See “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.)
224
ProCarManuals.com

A CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine
and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids
to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have
to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little --
when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill it.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spifl coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and
it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (1 05 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on
the cap line up with the overflow tube on the
radiator filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap
is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When
you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
225
ProCarManuals.com