cooling system woes

[JFP in PA]

If you correctly use a vacuum filling system, there is absolutely no need to open the bleeder afterwards; in fact, you are creating an opportunity for air to get back in to an otherwise air-free system at that point.

[Mike_Yi]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

If you correctly use a vacuum filling system, there is absolutely no need to open the bleeder afterwards; in fact, you are creating an opportunity for air to get back in to an otherwise air-free system at that point.

Not really. When you remove the bleeder, air gets in the system. I already had to add coolant at that point, before even firing it up. I did use the system exactly as the directions indicated.

[insite]

a lot of people over-think this. open the bleeder & reservoir cap. fill it up w/ coolant. start the car & let it warm up. once the thermostat opens, the coolant level will drop. shut the motor & fill it back up with coolant. now go for a 20min drive with the bleeder OPEN. go home, shut the bleeder, park the car, and DO NOT OPEN THE RESERVOIR CAP. let the car cool off on its own. once it's cool, top it off again & you're good.

important note: once the big bubbles are out, the system is self-bleeding!!!

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Mike_Yi

Not really. When you remove the bleeder, air gets in the system. I already had to add coolant at that point, before even firing it up. I did use the system exactly as the directions indicated.

I’m not sure what you are doing to get air in after filling it under vacuum, we do this just about every day and have never had an issue with trapped air or having to top up a system that tested leak tight before filling. Do you let the Uview pull in the coolant mix until it stops (the vacuum goes to zero), at which point the fluid level in the tank is usually at mid level? We have had cars come back to the shop for other service months after the coolant was changed, and the level in the tank was just fine without any top ups……….

[deptotpr]

I pulled up to destination, reversed into parking space, when I stopped, nothing but smoke out of the side vents, and a viscious dump of coolant. I am hoping it is just a hose issue. I did not even notice during the drive, and did not get any overheating dash warning lights? Anyone else had similiar experience?

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by deptotpr

I pulled up to destination, reversed into parking space, when I stopped, nothing but smoke out of the side vents, and a viscious dump of coolant. I am hoping it is just a hose issue. I did not even notice during the drive, and did not get any overheating dash warning lights? Anyone else had similiar experience?

Sounds irritating simplistic, I know, but basically you start by getting the car on a lift or jack stands and looking for the source of the coolant. Water pumps intermittently die on these cars, and when it happens you tend to see some coolant leakage.

I'm a very long way from being a seasoned mechanic, but your coolant leak seems like a lot---perhaps it is just a hose issue. My pump went many months ago and I did get some coolant loss, but it was a trickle. I would think (again, I'm no expert) that if your water pump had deteriorated to the point where you lost that much coolant, you'd be hearing quite a clatter as well. Was there any noise noted in conjunction with the coolant dump? Had you been smelling hot coolant over the past several times you've driven it?

In my limited experience, I'm thinking it's probably not the pump. Again, you just need to elevate the car and see where it's coming from.