Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2015 08:57:33 -0400
Reply-To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Faint coolant smell
In-Reply-To: <CAEqALmqs+PYjtRv2+qsOJktSYdxQ6Vepmqtv7=BNUX0vymyXTw@mail.gmail.com>
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OK, you asked for it. You can expect many responses to choose from.
After trying many approaches for the past 18 years or so, here is what I
would recommend:
Raise the back end on ramps, etc. as high as practical; ideally the
pressurized ("expansion") coolant tank would be at or above the level of
the top of the radiator. Access the bleeder bolt at the top of the
radiator. The bleeder valve that KEP includes in their conversion kit is a
"good thing".
Take an old coolant cap and rip out the valves. Buy about 6 or 8 feet
of transparent tubing that will fit on the nipple of that cap. Get a
transparent container of a gallon or more and near the bottom attach a
nipple/hose barb to which you can attach the tubing.
Now the operating principle is that same as when a nurse hooks you to an
IV. By hanging the bag at an elevated position, gravity provides enough
pressure to overcome your blood pressure and push the liquid into you.
Setting the feed container on top of your van will provide a reasonable
pressure to help bleed the system.
First pour as much coolant as you can into the tank in the usual way.
Squeeze the hoses, rock the van, etc. and be a little patient. When you
can't get any more liquid in and air out, attach your modified cap and hose
assembly and add coolant. Release any air available at the top of the
radiator. Start the van for a minute or so. Hopefully your coolant tank
is still transparent enough that you can see if there is air present. If
not, you should probably replace or clean the tank.
If a lot of air accumulates in the tank, pinch the tubing, disconnect and
remove the cap so you can pour in coolant. The main advantage of this IV
method is to provide enough pressure to get the air out of the radiator.
Since air in the coolant tank will not easily exit thru the long tubing,
adding a bleed valve on your modified cap can be helpful.
You want to start and run the engine for longer periods during this
proccess, until it gets warm enough to open the thermostat. Periodically
crack the bleeder at the radiator to be sure you get all the air out. A
drip pan below there is a nice touch.
Have fun,
Larry A.
On Wed, Sep 9, 2015 at 7:46 AM, Dean S <predsmaniac@gmail.com> wrote:
> So what is the best way to bleed the coolant system...to release a
> potential air pocket/ bubble?
>
> DS
>
>
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