Correct Way to Top up Coolant?
Discussion
Hi matt
Do you have an S? Your profile shows a Griff!
The process you refer to was outlined by mep12345 as follows
There is a method often used by garages to fill systems after work that avoids airlocks without having to undo bleed screws and risk further leaks (I used this method when refilling mine post body off last winter and it worked really well). Basically the cooling system is filled full and the pressure and swirl caps left off. The engine is then run and the system continually topped up as the engine warms and the circulating water lets the air out through the swirl cap (this doesn't take long and soon the water flows out rather than requiring topping up). The system is then run until the fan kicks in and then the engine is stopped and the caps fitted. Once fitted the car is allowed to cool and the levels topped to the correct point. The disadvantage is that the expanding water bubbles out of the cooling system and can collect in areas around the engine boiling off over the next trip or two. The smell can last for a few weeks as the antifreeze remains on the "hot areas" when the water evaporates
in this thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Good luck let us know how you get on!
Do you have an S? Your profile shows a Griff!
The process you refer to was outlined by mep12345 as follows
There is a method often used by garages to fill systems after work that avoids airlocks without having to undo bleed screws and risk further leaks (I used this method when refilling mine post body off last winter and it worked really well). Basically the cooling system is filled full and the pressure and swirl caps left off. The engine is then run and the system continually topped up as the engine warms and the circulating water lets the air out through the swirl cap (this doesn't take long and soon the water flows out rather than requiring topping up). The system is then run until the fan kicks in and then the engine is stopped and the caps fitted. Once fitted the car is allowed to cool and the levels topped to the correct point. The disadvantage is that the expanding water bubbles out of the cooling system and can collect in areas around the engine boiling off over the next trip or two. The smell can last for a few weeks as the antifreeze remains on the "hot areas" when the water evaporates
in this thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Good luck let us know how you get on!
Hi Norman & thanks very much for that.
I had a Griff up until about a year ago before upgrading
to the S. I used exactly that method on the Griff actually, so it's good to know that it's the same process for the S.
I haven't taken the S on track yet. When I do, I'll update the profile pic
cheers,
Matt.
I had a Griff up until about a year ago before upgrading
to the S. I used exactly that method on the Griff actually, so it's good to know that it's the same process for the S.I haven't taken the S on track yet. When I do, I'll update the profile pic
cheers,
Matt.
If you've done much to the cooling system don't forget to open the little valve on top of the rad to let any remaining air out and also to have the heater controls on as far as the valve is concerned (not the heater fan). With mine I ususally fill to the top of the swirl pot and then start the engine and gently rev it to get the initial bits of air out then when it is being revved gently - the water seems to drop in the swirl pot here - top it up and quickly put the swirl pot cap on before letting it warm up until the fans trip in. Ensure the overflow bottle is say half full so it can suck back if it needs to on cooling and leave to go cold and then top up again at the swirl pot and recheck the level in the overflow bottle. The above works for me but I will also check it again after the next run in case any more air has come out (on the basis that ticking over won't necessarily guarantee to shift all the air whereas using the car almost certainly will - maybe revving when it is initially all hot and fans running will help here) and also check any recently fitted silicon hoses as they will need to be retightened a few times until they bed in.
Jim
Jim
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