newbie instructions to refill coolant reservoir (accord 90)

Hi all,

My coolant reservoir is almost empty, I would appreciate very much
some step by step instructions to refill it. I plan to use honda
coolant. Previous coolant is also honda, from the timing belt change.

I have the maintenance instructions for this car, but it only covers
refilling the whole system. Here are the proposed steps:

0) turn head dial to the max, engine is cold
1) fill the reservoir up to the max
2) open the bleeding bolt
3) tighten the bolt when no bubbles come out
3) take the radiator cap off
4) start the engine
5) run the engine until the fan comes on at least twice
6) if necessary add more coolant to the radiator
7) turn off engine
8) put cap on
9) start engine, check for leaks

What tool do I need to take the cap off? Is it ok if I do this with
the splash shield on?

thanks and regards,
vlad

 

The cap is easily removed by hand. I know of no tool anyone
has ever used.

One caveat: It will probably take at least 30 minutes and as
much as say 50 minutes for the fan to come on the first
time. It should come on the second time within about ten
minutes of the first. So have a magazine and good
ventilation, wherever you are doing this.

I base this on refilling my 91 Civic's cooling system, and
then purging it, many times.

 

<snip>

Hold on now. You've recited the instructions necessary to changing the
coolant, not for topping up the reservoir.

To top up the reservoir:
Remove the reservoir's cap by unscrewing it with your hand.
Fill reservoir to the "MAX" mark.
Put cap back.

That's it.

You should also make sure the rad's fluid level is correct (completely
full; no air). When the engine is COLD, remove the radiator cap by turning
it counter-clockwise until it stops, then lift it off. The bottom of the
cap should be wet, and the coolant should be right up to the very top of
the filler neck.

 

Thanks Tegger, I followed your directions and got the job done.

vlad