New Radiator-Is Bleeding needed

[V6Turbo]

I just installed a new radiator and ready to fill it up. Does it need bleeding? If so, where is bleeder valve located or procedure?

Thanks in advance..

 

[Slow91z]

No bleeder...just fill the Radiator and run the car till it gets warm with the radiator cap off...when the thermostat opens whatever air is left in the system should make it's way back to the radiator and out the opening...put the cap on and drive the car, try to cycle the thermostat a couple of times (warm, cold, warm, cold) and then after you stop and the car cools down open the radiator and top it off (make sure the overflow has enough coolant in it also).

 

[BlownZ]

When the coolant goes down the first time....DO NOT wait and drive it to fill it up. Top it off...and then cap it up. The first time that thermostat opens your coolant level will drop significantly....fill it and then you should be fine.

 

[Slow91z]

I'm sorry did I not make that clear...yes you should fill then drive it...and then check it again later

 

[TurboJim]

While you can do as these guys say, and this isnt a particularly hard car to bleed, but I'd like to see you take one of the heater hoses off the heater core when you fill it up to make sure all air is purged. Trapped air can be a bitch when you're waiting for the t-stat to open and its airbound.

If the fan comes on and there is cold air being blown thru by it by the time it hits 200* or so, shut it off and let it heat soak a few mins then restart. If the air coming thru the radiator is cold, i means the tstat hasnt opened, and there may be an air pocket at the stat.

 

[U1ARUNIT]

That's why I always drill a small .125" hole in the T stat when I install a new one. If you do this be sure the hole is up at 12 o'clock position so the air can escape.

 

[tom h]

Originally posted by U1ARUNIT
That's why I always drill a small .125" hole in the T stat when I install a new one... so the air can escape.

I thought that's what the S-shaped "bypass" hose is for... the one going from the front, driver's side of intake manifold to the suction side of the water pump. Some amount of water is always moving thru, even when the t-stat is closed.

 

[U1ARUNIT]

Even with the bypass I always drill them, it won't hurt anything.

I also have lots of experience with Ford 5.0's which have the hose as well but they are a royal B!TCH to get the air out of so I just automatically drill them.