[SD1too]

Originally Posted by 111

I will refill with water/antifreeze via a system bleed as I didnt do this before ..

Here is the MG Rover official method for draining:

1. Remove expansion tank cap
2. Disconnect heater return hose from rear of cylinder block
3. Disconnect bottom hose from radiator.

Here is the MG Rover official method for refilling and bleeding:

1. Reconnect bottom radiator hose and heater return hose to engine block.
2. Disconnect hose from bleed valve. Attach suitable tube and blow through to ensure that valve pin is not sticking. Reconnect hose to bleed valve.
3. Remove bleed screw and fill cooling system keeping level at neck of expansion tank.
4. When a steady stream of coolant is emitted from the bleed orifice, refit bleed screw. Continue filling until level remains static at expansion tank neck.
5. Turn off air conditioning by selecting 'Econ' mode [this is only to prevent the radiator fan running constantly].
6. With expansion tank cap off, run engine at 1500 - 2500 rpm whilst keeping coolant level at expansion tank neck. When level rises, fit cap.
7. Continue to run the engine at the same speed until the radiator fan starts running. [In practice the engine may not get hot enough for this.]
8. Reduce engine speed to idle until fan stops. Switch off engine.
9. When system is cold, check level in expansion tank and top-up to the 'Max' marker not the expansion tank neck. [In practice you may have to do this a few times after a journey before the level stabilises.]

Simon