Why did my engine only take 4 qts of coolant instead of 5?

[art]

Hi, all.

I just replaced my coolant.  The manual specs say it takes FIVE qts of 50/50.  I was therefore very surprised when the manifold topped out at just under 4 qts.  Okay, I figured that as soon as I started the engine, about a qt would get sucked into the lines and so I could then just fill the rest.  But no, even after running for over 10 minutes and removing the cap, it was still "full."  Now I'm concerned about overheating if I'm "missing" 20% of my coolant...and my temp guage doesn't register.

Regarding the guage not registering, is this a common problem?  The rest of the cockpit guages do work.

What's up with these problems?

Art Levine
1988 Gusty Lady

[Ken Juul]

Are you sure the loop to the water heater is full?  Because of the hose arrangement, it drained it will not fill on it's own.  If not drained, part of your missing qt may be in the heater loop.