Overheating. What's gone wrong with my bleeding technique?

[mikeonb4c]

You talking about me of DannyBoy antique? May be true in both cases Apologies for diversion off thread

[antique]

hi sorry probally both, head cracks on exhaust side.

[patmckenna]

Hi Guys
I thought it was time to give you an update. Thanks for all the replies, I've been reading through them carefully and I've also been following the record-breaking(?) thread about the correlation between radiator and thermostat.

During the last few days, I retackled my bleeding problems. I carefully and systematically followed all procedures, making sure that at all times I avoided re-introducing air into the system through the expansion tank. I had the opportunity of squeezing various hoses to aid the process - including the big hose coming from the radiator to the head. located under the driver's seat.

When I felt (after some hours) that I had as much air out of the system as I could, I took the beast out for a few circular tours of the neighbourhood, including some satisfyingly steep hills. After each circuit, I stopped the van, and vented any air from the system via the bleedhose. Each time I vented, there was air present. I topped up the expansion tank if necessary. On the third circuit, the temp gauge shot beyond the 11 o'clock position, I pulled in, vented my spleen and the large volume of steam from the bleedpipe. I didn't get any gurgling and spitting from the expansion tank but I imagine this was because I had stopped immediately and and released the pressure elsewhere.

I am now convinced that I do indeed have a problem with the head or the head gasket...

On Friday morning I went to the local garage(s) to have the system pressure tested, but everyone had gone away for the Easter Weekend. I'm off to Germany for a few days on Monday, so things will have to wait.

I think I need to do the following:

Have a pressure test to see if they can pinpoint where I am either losing fluid and/or pulling in air.

Perhaps a dye-test at the same time?

Look seriously at having the rad off and tested for blockages.

Well, ther we are. No further but a little wiser. Will keep you all informed. Thanks for the help.

Pat

[francophile1947]

Thanks Pat - have a good time in Germany.

[antique]

hi patmckenna dye test first to see if head is cracked, if so take rad out and flow test , we are just fixing one at moment new head new rad just one of them things that go wrong with bongos .