Radiator refill - "burp" question

[MDH33]

I recently had a leak in my cooling system. The lower thermostat housing was cracked. I replaced it along with the thermostat and gaskets. After spilling lots of coolant in the repair I refilled the overflow reservoir and added more coolant to the radiator. I was ignorant about the "burping" procedure so I have the obligatory sloshing, gurgle of coolant at start up. I just searched MUD and learned about the burp and was set to try that since I must have some major air in the system.

Question:
I noticed that the level in my reservoir is still full. Shouldn't it have dropped to compensate for the air in the lines? Im concerned that something is blocked or not doing what it is supposed to since the level has not changed. Any ideas?

 

[NocalFJ60]

I don't think it would change if you have air pockets that will not come out. When it is cold start the engine and park it with the opening to radiator higher than the rest of cooling system. Then turn on the the heater and you can push on the bumper to help shake the bubble up and out.

 

[VETTE60]

it wont burp unless you build enough pressure, so just let it idle for a while with the rad cap off and the level topped off, the bubbles will come up. after that, the rest will work itself out. just check your reservoir

 

[lonelydriver]

if my resevoir is low, do i fill the radiator thru the radiator cap, or do i fill the resevoir?

sorry for the newbness

 

[Russ in California]

Both. Fill the res and check the rad when it's cold in the morn.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

The sloshing in the heater should clear quickly-like 1 or 2 starts. If not, the very first thing I would suspect is a bad radiator cap. If it doesn't seal correctly, you suck in atmospheric air on cool down and not coolant from the resevoir. That keeps air permanently in the system.

I would just buy a new cap, as they are cheap. Then drive a round with the front and rear heater full on. Check the overflow every day. Eventually it will stop going down and you're done. I am not convinced the nose-up burp does anything, except on the first fill after the system has been opened, when it aids getting the system as full as possible.