Help with Coolant Level

[winner]

Age and paint have obliterated the level indicated for coolant in the reservoir bottle of my LE8W 454 Chyev Engine. Manual says it should not be over-filled but kept at proper level indicated on side of reservoir bottle. Can anyone with similar engine tell us where that level is: 1/3 , 1/2. 2/4 :

[PeterH-350LE]

Typically, the cold level is not more than 1/3 tank, but always above the feeder hose to the radiator.
You may be able to feel the cold and hot level inscriptions on the tank.

[winner]

Thanks Peter, if the cold level is 1/3 where is the hot level, I can't feel - old bottle is badly scared on outside.

[PeterH-350LE]

hot is appr 2/3 of the tank.
Most of these tanks are still available from the GM dealer and are rather inexpensive (`$10.-).
Ask for a 1984 P30 cooling reservoir and take the old tank along to compare.

[winner]

Thanks Peter - my reason for asking, when I am in traffic and/or running with a/c., I get the white light on my dash showing "Low colant" My temp meter is showing just short of 220, and there is no steaming or boiling of the radiator. If I turn off the radiator, the light goes out and temp drops back to about 210 where it usually is at highway speeds. I am having my mechanic check out the thermostat (it should probably be removed if there is one in it, and of course the water pump in case they are involved. Appreciate your assistance. I wondered if perhaps that reflux system might not be working properly.

[PeterH-350LE]

Dr Joe,
Since you have a low coolant indicator light, you also should have two terminals at your plastic coolant reservoir. If that is the case, the cold water level should always be above those two terminals. I think replacing the reservoir, if it has the terminals, may cure the problem.
You could have a corrosion problem at the terminals. Running 210 with the occasional 220 is still within operating range in the heat of the summer. Anything above that would cause me to investigate further.

[winner]

Peter: will look into availability of a new bottle - mechanic has big girl and is checking all aspects of the situation. will check on her today - want her to be in good shape for new owner. Also looking into tachometer problem - he will let me know if it is a bad tachometer and if so I will order one. He is also putting rubber mounts under air compressor & checking for check valve.
Will keep you posted