replacing water in cooling system

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robandsophie
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replacing water in cooling system

Post by robandsophie »

Hi,

Probably a daft question but here goes...

I have returned my engine into where it belongs. When I refill the radiator do I need to do anything special with the heater? Do I fill the heater matrix first then then add the water into radiator? if I then run the engine how to I stop airlock?

Cheers

rob
rayofleamington
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by rayofleamington »

Most of the time you don't have to worry about the heater - it will self bleed by running the engine (provided thermostat is on place and not stuck open).
The heater is probably still full - unless you've had the heater out!

Just fill the radiator and top up if the level drops.
Ray. MMOC#47368. Forum moderator.

Jan 06: The Minor SII Africa adventure: http://www.minor-detour.com
Oct 06: back from Dresden with my Trabant 601 Kombi
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Sept 2010 - finally gave up breaking down in a SII Landy...
where to break down next?
2013... managed to seize my 1275 just by driving it round the block :(
robandsophie
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by robandsophie »

Forgot to mention that, yes I took to heater out and cleaned it all out. Does that matter?

Thanks

Rob
mogbob
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by mogbob »

Rob
No it doesn't matter.
First priority is to organise the anti freeze ( do search on the forum for recommendations ) and if not buying the ready mix stuff , dilute the "neat " stuff with the relevant amount of water.
Make sure the heater is ON i.e the water supply valve is open , so it can circulate.
Follow Ray's instruction and wait for the water to cool down before opening the radiator cap , so you don't scald yourself. Put more anti freeze / water mix as required.
Bob
amgrave
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by amgrave »

No, it does not matter. As above fill the system right up and run it till hot, wait for it to cool and then check the level. Top up if necessary. Don't forget to use anti-freeze, the blue one is best.

Budgie
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by Budgie »

I'll be doing the same in a couple of weeks time...when I get the right bearing for my gearbox rebuild! so I was going to ask which anti freeze is the best, I thought it was best to avoid the "blue" type or have I got it the wrong way around?
amgrave
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by amgrave »

Definitely the blue type is OK. Don't use the orange or green type.

robandsophie
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by robandsophie »

Thanks for the advice :D
Budgie
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by Budgie »

Same here :D
firehor5e
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by firehor5e »

good idea to flush the coolant system out with a hose pipe first,flush,flush and flush!until the system is clean.check the condition of the hoses while you are at it.its not advisable to drain the radiator via the drain plug,as they are often seized and can distort or even split the radiator,just undo the bottom hose. pure rain water is better than tap water when refilling i am told.
1968 2 door 1275
amgrave
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Re: replacing water in cooling system

Post by amgrave »

Yes, that is what I use, rain water with about 50% blue anti-freeze. Add rad flush to the system and run for at least the recommended time as stated on the bottle, more is better. Drain and put it down the sewer as it is caustic. Take the rad off and back flush, then front flush and back flush again till it runs clear. Do the same with the heater matrix but in situ if practical. You will end up with a nice clean coolant system.

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