coolant change (expansion tank cap)

[tay]

hi guys, after finding a leaking hose, thanks to coolant alarm,decided to change coolant whilst fixing said hose. my question is after topping up coolant and attaching funnel to bleed pipe to begin the revving/ iddling process,does the expansion tank cap have to be on or off.thanks tay.

[westonwarrior]

off as you need to keep topping it up as the air escapes

[tay]

thanks,thats what i thought just needed reassuring.its one of those jobs thats a bit daunting because of the implications if you cock it up.

[westonwarrior]

its a 2 man/person job just make sure you get it realy hot takes about 45 min

[haydn callow]

Bongo BLEEDING Instructions (use yourself or INSIST your garage follows them)




NOTE.. (Before you start) Get a large funnel and cut the spout so the bleed tube will push up into it nice and tight.. Don't take the bung out of the pipe yet.

1..remove the plastic air scoop from under the bonnet.
2..remove the pressure cap off the expansion tank.
3..remove the pressure cap from the rad and fill to brim if it is not already full.
4..replace rad cap.
5..fill the expansion tank to the FULL line.
6..release the rad cap till coolant overflows and tighten rad cap.
7..top up expansion tank to FULL
8..under the passenger seat ..find the coolant bleed tube...remove the bung and push up into funnel.
9..half fill the funnel with premixed coolant.

Note..by raising/lowering the funnel and adjusting the engine revs you will from now on be able to control the level of the coolant in the header tank & funnel.
At no point from now on allow the funnel to empty or the header tank to drop below FILL.

10..start the engine...switch on heaters.....rev to 2500 for 3 mins....idle for 1 min.
11..keep repeating this cycle until the heaters blow hot and switch the heaters off.
12..carry on with the rev 2500/idle cycle..raising and lowering the funnel...you will have to do this for about 30/40 mins.....UNTILL THE BOTTOM HOSE GETS GOOD AND WARM..(stat open).

Once this happens carry on till all bubbles stop and replace the bleed tube bung (wear gloves..very hot)put the bung in as coolant is flowing out so no air can sneak in.

Top up the tank...replace the tank cap.....go for a drive and keep a eye on coolant levels for a few days....should be o.k. If job was done properly.

THE SECRET IS TO GET THE BOTTOM HOSE HOT WHILST BLEEDING (STAT OPEN)

ANY PROBLEMS PHONE ME 01458 270230 AND ASK FOR HAYDN.

[tay]

thanks guys,followed your'e fact sheet haydn and all seems well at the moment,just glad low coolant alarm picked up the leak, money well spent me thinks!