Help! Best way to fill radiator

[1tpi]

What's the best way to burp the radiator to get the air out

 

[Rex S]

If you haven't put the thermostat in yet, drill a small (1/8 or smaller) hole in the stat's movable disc, this allowes air to escape while filling, then let it run until warm, let it cool completely and recheck. Easiest way is with a vacuum tool we have that removes all the air and sucks the coolant into the engine but I doubt if any of the stores have one as a loner tool.

 

[1tpi]

thermostat is in already so now what

 

[TimAT]

Raise the front end so the radiator neck is higher than the engine. Blocks, ramps, jack, whatever. It makes life a lot easier. Leave the cap off, start the engine, then let it idle and warm up. It'll burp. Keep filling it until you can see the water circulating and its at normal temp, then top it off and slap the cap on. Fill the overflow jug to full cold and you're done.

 

[Rex S]

What Tim said, just keep the hole idea around for next time as it makes the job quicker not better.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I think the 'drill a hole' idea is a waste of time. Once the thermostat starts to open, it makes no difference if there was a hole or not. The hole only serves the purpose of allowing trapped air to escape before the 'stat opens.

I've never had a problem filling my C3 by simply filling the rad, starting the engine and letting it warm with the cap loose. Refill as required until the level no longer drops and close the cap. Fill the coolant recovery tank to max hot and off you go. Check the recovery tank level a few more times after a drive and top off as required.

 

[6880 Mike]

...I've never had a problem filling my C3 by simply filling the rad, starting the engine and letting it warm with the cap loose. Refill as required until the level no longer drops and close the cap...Check ...level a few more times after a drive and top off as required.

I agree. I've been doing it that way for years.

 

[1tpi]

When the radiator is full and cools down
should you be able to squeeze the top hose
and feel water in it

 

[73shark]

Yep.