Coolant Change

[yme402]

Decided to change coolant in my Cdti. Disconnected bottom hose, drained out. Then flushed with water via filler cap until clear water came out the bottom. On re-filling the car with Valvoline Maxlife 50/50 red coolant, I have only been able to get about 4 litres in (should be 8.1).

The bleed screw has been removed (the one by the battery), however no coolant is seeping out now that the system appears full-any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[bl52krz]

How did you actually refill the radiator?

[yme402]

Hi

By slowly pouring the coolant in through the filler at the top.

[rich17865]

Remember, you will not have got it all out, the 8.1 figure includes what will be in the heater matrix and other things that cannot be drained without removal.

Make the header tank the highest point by holding it up in the air, coolant should come out of the bleed screw when the system if full. Remember that the thermostat needs to be open to allow a proper level to be achieved.

[yme402]

HI - how can i get the header tank higher - is this hard to remove?
With regards to the thermostat, Haynes says have aircon off- so is this correct?

[blacknwhite]

I might be totally thick here and it's something I've wondered about since fitting the top hose inline stat, surely you can only flush out part of the coolant as the closed stat (either or both) prevents the rest coming out.

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by blacknwhite

- - - surely you can only flush out part of the coolant as the closed stat (either or both) prevents the rest coming out.

It will drain down in either direction to the lowest point in the system. The heater matrix will remain pretty full due to its shape and pipework and the block will retain some. It's hosepipe flushing that doesn't work very effectively if the stat's in place (and closed presumably). Personally, I think fresh water flushing is likely to dilute the subsequent coolant refill since a lot of the flush water will remain instead of the old coolant. As with oil changes, you actually finish up with contaminated oil or coolant no matter how you do it.

TC

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by yme402

HI - how can i get the header tank higher - is this hard to remove?

One small set bolt you see on the slam panel. This frees the tank which has two lugs in rubber mounting on the RHS. Just pull it left and up.

With regards to the thermostat, Haynes says have aircon off - so is this correct?

Like the heater setting, it's not relevant. The heating system is always full flow irrespective of the inside temperature setting. There are no valves to open in the heater circuit nor the aircon system. Mr Haynes must have cut and pasted that bit from an BMC A-series manual.

TC

[yme402]

Many thanks for your help guys. I have removed the small bolt holding the header tank to the bodywork, lifted it, and after a fair bit of coughing and spluttering, a steady flow of coolant has now started to run from the bleed screw. Topped up, and given the car a hard drive for about 10 miles, and all seems fine. Temp guage firm on half, and both top and bottom hoses hot, which I guess there is no airlock?

thanks

[EDDYW]

Hiya
Keep your eyes on it for the next couple of days and all should be OK.