Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2023 20:42:47 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Coolant change questions
In-Reply-To: <BL0PR05MB4916751835FB6FABEBD09E72A0A39@BL0PR05MB4916.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
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Hi Dennis and list,
For bleeder are we talking about the small bleeder in the engine compartment where two large hoses go off left and right and there is one small hose?
I’m wanting to avoid that darn thing as gentle efforts to open it are not working and I don’t want to break the darn thing.
Is this bleeder needed to do the job? And if absolutely needed any tips on how to gently release that old plastic?
Thanks for the amounts. I was afraid it was even more coolant then that.
Eric
Eric
> On Feb 14, 2023, at 7:57 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Unfortunately VW didn't provide for an easy way to change the coolant. With the van up in the air your wont get it all to drain, the engine will somewhat stay filled. Since you are doing this driveway style, after getting the front raised removing the tire tray will make access a lot of easier. Disconnect the hoses where they meet the pipes first. Removing the right side lower radiator bracket will make those hoses easier to change. For filling the system put the front end down. Fill in the back. Open the radiator bleed and gently using compressed air you pus the coolant up into the radiator. Get a helper. Air, close bleed, refill pressure tank, open bleed and do until you get coolant coming out of the bleeder. Then open thermostat bypass. Open heater valves start engine and hold about 1,800 to 2,000 rpm. Have someone open and watch bleeder while coolant being poured into pressure tank. After coolant flows from bleeder, close it, top of tank, replace pressure cap, now you can let engine idle. Top off expansion tank. It is important to get these steps done before engine significantly warms up. Once hot the vapor pressure adds to the difficulty. After all secure, rev engine a bit. Check that heaters have heat and that coolant flows to radiator as thermostat opens. Once radiator fan cycles turn engine off. As system cools some coolant will get pulled in from tank. After a few cycles you should be good. For complete fill including a dry engine the system takes almost 5 gallons. For what you are doing 2 to 3 should do it.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 5:52 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Coolant change questions
>
> Help needed.
>
> I need to change the two coolant hoses from radiator to metal pipes.
>
> I have new hoses and spring clamps.
>
> I expect just about all the coolant to come out.
>
> So,
>
> How much coolant is in their and how much do I need to purchase to have on hand to refill?
>
> Any tips on draining?
>
> Any tips on filling and bleeding?
>
> This is a 1.9 system.
>
> I might as well drain and start over with clean coolant.
>
> I plan to use the final Charge that Dennis has recommended in the past.
>
> All tips and directions are greatly appreciated.
>
> Eric Caron
> 84 Westfalia
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