Radiator Fill and Coolant Bleed Guide

[Stutopia]

Courtesy of Zmanalex:

 

From the workshop manual for a N/A car.

 

NOTE IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE BE FOLLOWED EXACTLY!

IT IS TIME CONSUMING, HOWEVER, ESSENTIAL!

 

3.1 Remove bleader in the stock upper heater hose.

 

3.2 Fill radiator and coolant recovery reservoir with anti freeze coolant. It should take 10 quarts (11.365 litres), including reservoir. It is important that the coolant is poured through the radiator filler neck at less than 1.5 quarts (1.7 litres) per minute, in order to allow air in the system to escape.

 

3.3 When the engine coolant overflows the at the bleader, re-install the bleader

 

3.4 Warm the engine to the normal operating temperature with the radiator cap installed.

 

3.5 Run the engine at 3,000 RPM for 10 seconds and then allow it to return to idle speed.

 

§ Repeat this action three times.

 

3.6 Stop engine and allow coolant temperature to drop below 120°F.

 

Use a remote electric fan to assist in this process. If necessary, refill the radiator and reservoir up to the filler neck.

 

3.7 Repeat steps 3.3 to 3.6 at least two more times (it may take more) with the radiator cap installed, until the engine coolant level no longer drops.

 

3.8 Check the cooling system for leaks with the engine running.

 

3.9 Fully warm the engine and listen for the sound of coolant flow through the heater unit, inside the car; while running the engine from idle to 3,000 RPM, with the heater control set at several positions between cool and warm.

 

Repeat this action three times.

 

3.10 If any sound is heard, continue to bleed excess air from the cooling system, by repeating steps 3.3 to 3.6, until the coolant level no longer drops.

 

 

 

Thanks Alex for posting this up

[LukeA]

I had a hard time bleeding my system and found a spill free funnel that helped sort the issues of trapped air.

Hopefully this will help others if they have any trapped air:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lisle-24680-Spill-Free-Funnel/dp/B00A6AS6LY

Edited October 12, 2018 by LukeA