Bleeding the coolant system

[Mike_ERST]

Right guys im about to explode, ive tried this about 10 times now and every time i end up with alot of steam and coolant gushing out of the reservoir. im at a loss and apparently need some tips

any suggestions welcome

[Bristol_Jer]

This method has not failed me yet:

There is a sure way to bleed the cooling system on 'big' six engines.
1. After repair is made (before adding coolant) remove bleeder screw and run
a small piece of wire down the hole to dislodge any mineral deposits..
2. Replace the screw, but leave valve 'open'.
3. Open heater control valve and add coolant until it begins to escape from
the bleeder hole.
4. Now close bleeder screw and replace the expansion tank cap and tighten.
5. Remove the small coolant line that runs from the radiator to the
expansion tank AT THE EXPANSION tank and hold it as high as you can.
6. Now attach another hose the expansion tank in place of the one you've
just removed. BLOW (gently!!) through this hose until coolant emerges from
the small elevated radiator hose.
7. Now remove the 'blow' hose and reconnect the small radiator hose to the
expansion tank..
8. Now top off the expansion tank to the full mark.
9. Start and warm up engine and check for leaks!!
That's it. Good luck.
BTW, this procedure is compliments of Jim Rowe at Metric Mechanic

[Mike_ERST]

I will be trying this one tomorrow! I shall let you know how it goes, with any luck she will be on the road by saturday!

[Brianmoooore]

5, 6 and 7. Alternative and much easier version: Leave the expansion hose attached, remove radiator cap, pull the free end of the overflow hose from the neck of the coolant bottle in through the hole in the inner wing, place free end of overflow pipe in mouth, place hand flat over neck of coolant bottle, blow in pipe.

[wixsy]

does this still work using the e30 header tank as mines lower than the bleed screw,

[Bristol_Jer]

5, 6 and 7. Alternative and much easier version: Leave the expansion hose attached, remove radiator cap, pull the free end of the overflow hose from the neck of the coolant bottle in through the hole in the inner wing, place free end of overflow pipe in mouth, place hand flat over neck of coolant bottle, blow in pipe.

Nice, I'll have to remember that

[Bristol_Jer]

does this still work using the e30 header tank as mines lower than the bleed screw,

It works fine with a facelift m20'd e30 header tank as thats what I have in mine

[wixsy]

mines had the hearters all removed so will this bleed technique work the same, after 11 months the engine went in today so hopefully it'll be running tomorrow

[Bristol_Jer]

Yep should still work, I'm guessing you just connected the 2 heater matrix pipes together to bypass the matrix?

[mcbonio]

How come you removed the heater matrix guys? It's getting cold now.!

[wixsy]

its a fun/track car, it is mot'ed tho so if i finally get it running, ill tax it and have a bit of fun in it

[Bristol_Jer]

Still worth having a heater, my car steams up badly inside on a wet track day in between sessions

[wixsy]

Anybody got a pic using the e30 header tank, don't know if it's a facelift or not. The two pipes that come out of the header tank neck, go where. Nearest the front to rad overflow(alloy race tank with just an overflow pipe out of the neck), rear one as the overflow to air, is this right

[zaust]

How come you removed the heater matrix guys? It's getting cold now.!

To much extra weight. And yes just link the pipes together. Warm jacket and a hat will do

I'm using an early m20 header located where the battery tray is. But when I first installed I was running a m30 tank just for ease.
Should be some pics in my thread.

[wixsy]

Found pics, looks like im on the right track, Zaust have sent you a pm. Its a bit complicated but you may understand it, if not ring me on 07921863140.thanks. Oh and sorry for pinching the thread