Radiator top up / Black sooth

[graham]

I had to change my thermostat as the engine was running high, I notice the rad isn't full, what mixture of water / antifreeze should I use to top up?

Also there seems to some black soot around the engine bay, I haven't really been driving the car much.

g

[charged_rs]

I had to change my thermostat as the engine was running high, I notice the rad isn't full, what mixture of water / antifreeze should I use to top up?

Also there seems to some black soot around the engine bay, I haven't really been driving the car much.

g

you need to use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant - the capacity of the cooling system is 6ltrs give or take a little.
take rad cap off , and start engine and let it get upto temp- 10 - 15 mins at idle...then top up the system and refit cap , job done.

as for the soot..havent a clue

[graham]

The soot is a total mystery unless it's from a dodgy alternator belt I had, I'll clean it off and see if it comes back...

g

[leamyj]

I'd say it's a belt being ground down, happened to me when the pulley on the alternator was pitted with corrosion and was forever eating the belt(s)...check the pulley and make sure the inner surface is smooth.

John