Changing my faulty thermostat this weekend. Going to change coolant aswell. Is there a method to fill up so as not to get air locks in coolant system? Thanks
coolant flush
- Thread starter rob swallow
- Start date
I usually leave the tap on the rad open and flush it through with a hose until clear water runs out,
Then close the tap and refill with coolant to just over the max line and take the car for a drive to get some heat in, I take coolant with me and the level will drop and need topping up.
The system is self bleeding so I've been told.
Then close the tap and refill with coolant to just over the max line and take the car for a drive to get some heat in, I take coolant with me and the level will drop and need topping up.
The system is self bleeding so I've been told.
As above, the coolant will drop after the first run of the engine as the air gets to the expansion tank. It self bleeds 
drain pipe is at the bottom nearside of the radiator, cabin side. a little tricky to get to, undertray off job and is in effect the joint between radiator and pipework, there is a little tap you turn to drain.
top off coolant expansion tank, then open drain pipe to drain.
have a cup of tea.
return to car, CLOSE DRAIN TAP ;o)
fill up coolant - using the correct type of coolant, G12 only!!!! this usually comes in neat form, you then dilute 50/50.
fill up expansion tank until it stops taking more in.
start car with cap off, let it run for 2-3 mins level should drop so keep filling up, (so have pre-mixed coolant ready). make sure coolant is actually circulating and ideally let it run until temperature is up so its fully circulating. I would then put cap on, but not done up and allow to cool.
once cool, tighten cap, then take for a drive and check level regularly until you are happy.
be careful if you ever try to remove the cap when the coolant is hot. in fact try not to do this.
It is a self bleed system so should be easy, but keep some coolant spare in the car and check levels regularly for first few drives.
NOTE: when hot, the coolant level will be higher and so over max. this is normal. the level needs to be correct when cold.
top off coolant expansion tank, then open drain pipe to drain.
have a cup of tea.
return to car, CLOSE DRAIN TAP ;o)
fill up coolant - using the correct type of coolant, G12 only!!!! this usually comes in neat form, you then dilute 50/50.
fill up expansion tank until it stops taking more in.
start car with cap off, let it run for 2-3 mins level should drop so keep filling up, (so have pre-mixed coolant ready). make sure coolant is actually circulating and ideally let it run until temperature is up so its fully circulating. I would then put cap on, but not done up and allow to cool.
once cool, tighten cap, then take for a drive and check level regularly until you are happy.
be careful if you ever try to remove the cap when the coolant is hot. in fact try not to do this.
It is a self bleed system so should be easy, but keep some coolant spare in the car and check levels regularly for first few drives.
NOTE: when hot, the coolant level will be higher and so over max. this is normal. the level needs to be correct when cold.
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True, they only sell G13 at the VW garage near me so I just went with that....it's pink so it works lol
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