You can fill it cold, and all my cars like to run about an inch or so over the cooling tubes. If I overfill them, they just fill the recovery bottle up anyway. Keep an eye on it after everytime you drive it for the next couple times. If it is continually using a quart or more when running about an inch or so above the tubes, a problem exists somewhere and should be addressed. I would hook up a recovery bottle first off and check that while the car is up to temp. Hows the temp guage reading?? Don't pull the cap while the car is up to temp, EVER!!! You can, however run the car without the cap and check the flow of the water pump when it reaches temp and the thermostat opens. You can also check the coolant for bubbles (big bubbles) indicating air in the water being introduced by a blown head gasket. A gallon low on coolant is a lot, and should be monitored closely for the next few trips. Good luck with your project, Geof
