Coolant Questions

[thegreengoblet]

Had to call out the RAC yesterday, as following a blast out she was streaming coolant from underneath somewhere. Looked like a fair bit to me. It turned out to be a snapped jubilee clip (completely rusted) on one of the bottom hoses (not one that connects to the rad). When he replaced the clip obviously more coolant was loss.

To bleed the air from the system, he simply left her running with the expansion tank cap off and the hot blower on full. When water started to boil out of the expansion tank her switched her off and topped up with more coolant and replaced the cap. Then started her again checking that the fans eventually kicked in at 105 degrees, no drips, and hot air from the heater. I've checked the expansion tank level this morning - it's low but visible. Is this ok for bleeding the air from the system? Also, is this a true reading of the coolant level and should I try and put some more in?

And how much replacement coolant should it of taken? He only put in about 5 ltrs or so (35% mix)? Doesn't seem that much to me although I guess the coolant loss only happens under pressure and it may of seemed more leaked than actually did.

Can anyone enlighten me?
Cheers in advance
Bill

[jensena]

It needs bleeding - 2 big 'naff' looking bleed screws on each metal coolant pips parallel to the engine, 1 each side. If you dont bleed the sytem properly, you can get an airlock which prevents the fans coming on, and the temp will soon soar past the 110 mark.

With the engine cold, loosen off the brass bolt on the top RH side (Driver side) of the radiator, top up through the coolant tank, when water starts coming out of it the brass bolt tighten it back up. Leave the top off the coolant tank, start the engine and get it warm - not hot, just enough for the thermostat to open - undo one bleed screw until water starts coming out, then repeat the other side. Top up the fluid, put the cap back on, and repeat.

[thegreengoblet]

Thanks Jensena

[Steve_T]

Make sure you have enough antifreeze in the mixture when you refill to preserve your engine. I recall someone saying as much as a 50/50 mix was necessary recently. Check with your indy/stealer what this should be if you use one. Otherwise someone will be along to correct me soon.

Steve.

[jensena]

If one clip has rusted, chances are the others will be in in similar state too, so if I were you I'd replace them all. I;d guess they will be the ones underneath the front of the car - a real PITA job

[thegreengoblet]

Yeah, I had a quick look when the RAC bloke had the cowling off. I could see at least 2 other well rusted clips. The one that was broken was well and truly rusted away and simply came apart in 2 pieces! She's due her 6k service in a months time so was going to get Fernies to replace them. Not sure if a coolant change is required at the 6k service?

Anyway. I was a bit worried about possible air in the system and apparent lack of coolant required to top it up, hence my post. It looks like I need to bleed the system correctly to keep my mind at rest, so I'm going to have to take the cowling off in order to get to the side of the Rad. In which case I ought to try and tackle the clips myself. Sounds like fun and games!

And thanks for the 50/50 mix tip

[ireland]

The stainless steel jubilee clips are the best to replace the old ones with.

There are even some on the market that you can snap open fully when fitting them so you don't need to remove the hose to slip it on.

[jensena]

[quote=............. so I'm going to have to take the cowling off in order to get to the side of the Rad. In which case I ought to try and tackle the clips myself. Sounds like fun and games!

And thanks for the 50/50 mix tip
[/quote]

'GreenGoblet' - You dont have to remove anything to bleed the system

[thegreengoblet]

I could not see a way of getting to the rad pressure nut without taking the cowling off - it's a 450 Lightweight if this helps. Anyway, cowling off - 8 screws (some fidly - under the trumpet boxes) and 4 bolts which hold the front of the cowling to the two rad fans. The pressure nut is on the top right side looking from the drivers seat. Anyway, bled the system - those 2 pressure valves either side of the engine and under the trumpet boxes were a bit fidly to get to. All done. Required about another 2 litres of coolant in the end.

Didn't chaging the other clips as the weather was crap (don't have a garage) and I didn't fancy it looking at the position of some of them. Although I like the sound of those snap type clips Ireland. Would make things a hell of a lot easier. I still have the cowling off and the weather looks better tomorrow. And defo for stainless steel.... the original ones must of been crap as I've never heared of jubilee clips actaully breaking in two!

Thanks for all the help guys.