1995 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE engine coolant

3800 V6: Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see: If
the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down.
(A) Coolant recovery tank
(B) Radiator pressure cap
(C) Electric engine fan (or fans if you have the 3800 V6
engine).
3.1L V6: Recovery Tank Level
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3800 V6: Recovery Tank Level
l I I
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL HOT
mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere
else in the cooling system.
I NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine fan is running.
If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be running.
If it isn’t, your
vehicle needs service.
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How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant
level isn’t at or above the
FULL HOT mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and
a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See
“Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information
about the proper coolant
mix.)
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or
above the
FULL HOT mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mix
directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system
is
cool before you do it.
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3.lL V6: Upper Radiator Hose
5. plTt the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave .the radi@or pres- cap off.
3800 V6: Upper: *' Radiator Hose
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can $eel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out
for the
engine fan(
s) .
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3.1L V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3. Air Cleaner
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6. Battery
7. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
8. Engine Oil Dipstick
9. Engine Oil Fill Cap
IO. Radiator Cap
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P
3800 V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir 6. Battery
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7. Air Cleaner
3. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick 8. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir 9. Engine Oil Fill Cap
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir 10. Radiator Cap
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Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Oldsmobile retailer
is ready
to advise if you think something should be
added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 krn).
This
is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving
in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier 011 top of
your vehicle.
If any one
of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
If none
of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or I2 months -- whichever
comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside
in very cold weather, 0°F (- 18OC) 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 or by 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 retailer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
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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, see “Engine Overheating”
in the
Index.
The proper coolant for your Oldsmobile
will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 OF ( 128 ” C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 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
1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any 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.
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