I changed coolant today. Tried to go by the manual.
After the change, I refilled the engine and radiator thru the filler cap. Got it as full as possible, then filled the reservoir to the "full cold" mark. Ran the engine at idle speed for timed 2 minutes, then revved the engine two or three times. Coolant level still indicated full at the "fill" cap. Drove it about one-half mile, until the coolant temperature got to normal. Waited for engine to cool down then checked the level again. I could not see coolant at the fill opening. Reservoir indicated approximately the same level as before the ride. My question; is that normal? Should I have been able to see coolant at the "fill" location.

Thank you.

'07 SW 2,810 miles

When you "burp" the cooling system while revving the engine with the rad cap off, air should be expelled at the highest point in the system. That's why you leave the rad cap off when burping the system.

You may have not given the engine a long enough idle time to expel the air. I believe 2 minutes is the minimum. I'd go 3-4 minutes. That will also heat the coolant to a higher temp, causing more vacuum draw when the coolant cools.

When you cool down the system, the vacuum created by the contracting fluid should suck coolant from the overflow back into the rad so that there is no air space in the rad. So, if your overflow tank is full but the rad level low, you may have a vacuum leak, either in the rad cap or the overflow hose. Check the gasket of the rad cap and both clamps on the overflow hose. If everything appears secure, no coolant is leaking, and your rad is full to the top when the engine cools, just carry on.