VIN 3695 - Dutch Rob's Car

[RobvdVeer]

In preparation of the new parts, how would i go about refilling the coolant system properly?

I'd have to drain quite a lot as i'll be replacing the bottle and the otterstat as well as the thermostat. I imagine i cannot bleed the system properly with the thermostat closed.

[bozzzydmc]

http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/cooling.htm

Have you seen this Rob ?

[RobvdVeer]

Yes I've seen that thanks.

[bozzzydmc]

Thermostat isnt 'air tight' so you can bleed the system with that in place no problem

[RobvdVeer]

mighty fine

[RobvdVeer]

Above mentioned parts arrived this morning. Thanks Ed for the quick service!

[Admin-bloke]

In preparation of the new parts, how would i go about refilling the coolant system properly?

I'd have to drain quite a lot as i'll be replacing the bottle and the otterstat as well as the thermostat. I imagine i cannot bleed the system properly with the thermostat closed.

This is how I did mine.....

I did flush it first.

Remove lower radiator hose,
Connect hosepipe to coolant botte.
Run water through until it is clear.
Remove side hex recessed-bolt-head bolts from the side of the engine block (i removed starter motor and cat on mine for access)
Reconnect lower radiator hose.
Flush through until any brown sludge is flushed out.
Basicall flush through until all old coolant is dispersed.
On mine I took the radiator to have it flow tested and it just needed hot steam through it to clear. I got it done FOC too!

I refilled mine by:

Undo top small hose of radiator.
Turn interior heater to hot/ check that the hot water valve moves/ hold it open with a cable tie.
Prepare my mixing coolant 50/50 with water (distilled/ deionised if you can or tap water is OK as long as you have soft-water)
Slowly fill cooling system until coolant starts to flow out of the radiator.
Re-attach top small radiator hose.
Unscrew bleed bolt from the water pump housing.
Slowly refill coolant until the coolant escapes from this bolt area.
Re-screw bleed bolt back in.
Top up coolant to max level.
Re-attach coolant cap (ensuring good fit around seal etc.)
Start engine and warm up to operating temp making sure the fans come on when required.
Let engine cool down overnight,
Check coolant level and top up.
Keep an eye on temp gauge for next few drives out.

[RobvdVeer]

This sure is helpful!

[Admin-bloke]

Good luck...

[RobvdVeer]

New parts arrived this morning and it took me about two hours to assemble everything: otterstat, thermostat and new stainless bottle.

I did refill the coolant, but i'll have to wait for a test start tomorrow to check for leaks as I don't have a coolant pressure tester.

I don't know if my problems are solved now, but: Thanks all for your kind words.