Radiator Refill

[attret00]

I have to replace my lower radiator hose. I am a bit confused as how to refill it. Do I refill through the expansion tank or do I pull off the top hose and refill from there. I've heard stories of air bubbles blocking flow so I don't want to mess up. I thank you ahead of time.

 

[Boogieman]

I fill mine thru the expansion tank, let it run with the cap off to let the air excape, keep adding fluid until the level is steady and not dropping, put the cap on, check for leaks, take a drive.

 

[JohnZ]

I prefer filling through the thermostat opening in the intake until the level comes up (expels all the air out of the block), install the thermostat and housing, then fill the rest of the way at the expansion tank. Start it (tank cap off) and let it run until the thermostat opens, run for a few minutes, then let it sit overnight and check the tank for 1/2-full cold, add as required, cap it, and drive it.

 

[attret00]

JohnZ, after you fill and let it run for a while and let it sit overnight, do you cap it overnight or leave the exp. tank open. I've changed my hoses and filled it up through the therm. opening and topped off the exp. tank.

 

[JohnZ]

I leave the cap off so any trapped air bubbles have a place to exit the system, check the level when it cools, cap it, and drive.

 

[attret00]

Thanks to JohnZ and Boogieman. All went well, no problems. I love this forum.