Bleeding cooling system

Post Sat Jun 25, 2005 9:19 pm

Can i bleed my cooling system without using the bleed nipple on the thermostat as i can't undo this?
Is there any other way?
The bolt is locked solid and i don't want to round it off

btw the car is a bmw e30 325i sport

all help much appreciated

Steve W

Post Sat Jun 25, 2005 9:49 pm

Mine is rounded.... I just use pliers to undo it... keep meaning to replace it, but not really a problem!!!

Post Sun Jun 26, 2005 12:39 am

Just soak it in WD40 the night before and then have a go .... worked fine for me !!

Post Sun Jun 26, 2005 12:47 am

File two flats on the round section just beneath the screw head, and use a 8mm open ended spanner.

Post Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:01 am

Brianmoooore wrote:File two flats on the round section just beneath the screw head, and use a 8mm open ended spanner.

good idea!!

Post Sun Jun 26, 2005 10:08 am

I've done this as a matter of course to every 6 pot E30 that's come my way, and once done, have never had any trouble loosening the bleed screw.
The original screw seems toi have a hex head which tapers slightly towards the top.

Post Sun Jun 26, 2005 1:18 pm

stevew wrote:Can i bleed my cooling system without using the bleed nipple on the thermostat as i can't undo this?
Is there any other way?
The bolt is locked solid and i don't want to round it off

btw the car is a bmw e30 325i sport

all help much appreciated

Steve W

if you park the car with the wheel nearest the expansion tank up on a kerb, then it becomes the highest point on the system.

if you leave the cap off, it should bleed it.

best to try the 2 flasts technique described by brian first tho...