Bleed Cooling System From: Jim Arnott Model/Type: All water cooled Vanagons Bentley Page(s): 19.16-19.17 Symptom(s): Air in Cooling System
On Thu, 14 Jan 1999 22:45:50 -0800 Jim Arnott writes:
John,
Here's how it's done. (per Bentley pgs. 19.16-19.17)
1. raise front end about 40 cm (15 3/4 in.)
2. set heater control to max heat
3. open control valve for rear heater
4. remove grill
5. open bleeder screw on passenger side top of radiator
6. open bleeder valve at front of engine compartment (on black plastic
fitting with 4 large radiator hoses connecting to it. ED NOTE: THERMOSTAT on Late Models)
7. fill coolant until expansion tank the one on the left, NOT the
overflow tank on the right.) is full (approx. 4-5 liter (4.25-5.3 US qt.))
8. start engine
9. at approx. 2000 rpm fill expansion tank until coolant flows from bleeder
screw in radiator bubble free (it takes two people!)
10. add coolant until expansion tank is full and close tank with cap
11. turn ignition off and start engine again after about 20 seconds
12. raise engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm and open cap of expansion tank
13. close bleeder screw on radiator when coolant flows out (need that friend again!)
14. add coolant if necessary and close tank
15. close bleeder screw in engine compartment
16. turn engine off
17. top up overflow tank
18. reinstall grill
19. lower front end
20. drive for a couple days and keep an eye on the coolant level. (my
suggestion, not VW's)
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