Radiator Filling and Bleeding
Discussion
I know this one has been talked through numerous times on here, but I'd just like to share my experience and ask a quick question. New ally rad in at the weekend, filled it up without moving just through the filler cap, kept leaving it and returning to top up as the water gradually found its own level. After a day of doing this I ran it up to temp, thermostat opened fine, fan kicked in fine, topped up more. Then took it to work this morning (25 mins drive through London at 7am, so reasonably cold), the gauge touched just above 100 a couple of times in traffic which I wasn't happy about, on the previous rad my Cerb was always pretty stable around the 95 mark even on hot summers day traffic, so I thought trapped air. Left it all cool down throughout the day with the cap off and topped up (a considerable amount) after work and took it for another 20 min drive, all up to temperature fine and now seems to hold around 95 with occasional jumps to around 97 at traffic lights. I've parked up and will release the cap again when cooler and see how much more water I can get in in the morning.
Question is - it seems to be self bleeding, is it? I'm reticent to touch the bleed valves unless I really need to - and reading other people's advice on here it seems it may not be necessary either. I need to drive to Bath tomorrow morning from London so I am hoping I'll be ok and the long run might shake a few more bubbles loose.
Cheers
Joe
Question is - it seems to be self bleeding, is it? I'm reticent to touch the bleed valves unless I really need to - and reading other people's advice on here it seems it may not be necessary either. I need to drive to Bath tomorrow morning from London so I am hoping I'll be ok and the long run might shake a few more bubbles loose.
Cheers
Joe
Hi,
I stand to be corrected by those more knowledgeable than me, but if the valves are there to release trapped air then they are there for a reason! I'm picky about this as during the summer here in Perth, WA as my cooling system needs to be operating well! You mention using "water!" I hope you are using a proper coolant as boiling points can be reduced drastically.
Radiator release bolt - I had a "cool" spot in the same corner of the rad. after refilling and simply undid it a little until the air was released and a small amount of coolant came through. "Cool" spot gone. It is essential to get your car up to temperature and literally feel the back of the rad. (engine side) for any "cool" spots - please watch out for moving engine parts though.
The brass valves on the water rail underneath the air boxes are really simple to use once the car is warmed up. I always use a clean rag to undo/cover them as the coolant should be hot! I'm always amazed at how many air bubbles are released. Just briefly release until coolant comes through and tighten again, repeat, repeat and repeat for both sides until only coolant is coming out. It will be apparent if air is in the system. Then don't over tighten them but they need to be tight enough!
Obviously topping up coolant as you go. Take your time and just think it through. Check again after the run.
I stand to be corrected by those more knowledgeable than me, but if the valves are there to release trapped air then they are there for a reason! I'm picky about this as during the summer here in Perth, WA as my cooling system needs to be operating well! You mention using "water!" I hope you are using a proper coolant as boiling points can be reduced drastically.
Radiator release bolt - I had a "cool" spot in the same corner of the rad. after refilling and simply undid it a little until the air was released and a small amount of coolant came through. "Cool" spot gone. It is essential to get your car up to temperature and literally feel the back of the rad. (engine side) for any "cool" spots - please watch out for moving engine parts though.
The brass valves on the water rail underneath the air boxes are really simple to use once the car is warmed up. I always use a clean rag to undo/cover them as the coolant should be hot! I'm always amazed at how many air bubbles are released. Just briefly release until coolant comes through and tighten again, repeat, repeat and repeat for both sides until only coolant is coming out. It will be apparent if air is in the system. Then don't over tighten them but they need to be tight enough!
Obviously topping up coolant as you go. Take your time and just think it through. Check again after the run.
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