I've got a 1996 Chevy Lumina and when my brother looked at it, he told me I need the cooling system flushed. I've been told it has to be bled as well. How do I do this?
2006-10-06 08:43:18 · 9 answers · asked by lindaswolford 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The bleeder on the cooling system is on the thermostat housing.
Loosen the locking nut and use a screw driver to open the bleeder to let the air out.
Master tech 40 yrs.
2006-10-06 08:55:17 · answer #1 · answered by Cal 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Assuming you have a system in good order: When you drain/flush the radiator and refill it, some air gets into the system. Air is lighter than water, so air gets trapped. Be sure the radiator is filled and run engine for 15-20 minutes so it is thoroughly warmed. This'll get rid of a lot of the trapped air. You'll probably have to add more coolant. Check the radiator for several days, you may see a drop in the coolant level. Add some 50/50 mix. Keep doing so until the coolant stays at the correct fill level. You have now bled the system.
2006-10-06 09:30:03 · answer #2 · answered by tjc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need jack stands and all that palava. Just place the engine on an upward incline, remove the filler cap and run the engine. Air will eventually come out once the engine starts to get warm. Keep an eye on it but do not look into the radiator during this process, hot air burns. Top up with coolant as you go along then shut down the engine and let it cool. Top up again, replace cap and off you go!
2006-10-07 02:13:32 · answer #3 · answered by Mike D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only car I have ever heard of having to have the coolant bled was the Pontiac Fiero and that was because the engine was in the rear and the radiator was in the front and you would have to jack up the rear of the car and let all the bubbles float out of the coolant. You should just be able to fill the system and start the engine and let it run. When the thermostat opens just fill it back up and put the cap on.
2006-10-06 08:56:04 · answer #4 · answered by tonyboyd1961 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's is no bleed screw in the cooling system, place the car on jackstands, remove the radiator cap, let the engine idle for awhile, lower, recheck the fluid level. Replace cap and drive as normal. If it starts running a little hot, do it again.
2006-10-06 09:30:28 · answer #5 · answered by armored_dillo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's possible to get air bubbles in the cooling system. Just check it frequently after draining and refilling. Add to the overflow tank if so equipped. It will eventually be full since water does seek its own level eventually.
2006-10-06 08:48:16 · answer #6 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
on the thermostate housing there is a bleeder screw .after flush refill,let idle add coolant when level drops.open bleeder screw until coolant comes out steady and radiator fan comes on top off coolant install cap.
2006-10-06 10:39:30 · answer #7 · answered by wolves03@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you bleed a brake line not cooling system .Just fill and make sure expansion tank is at proper level. Run engine and recheck the expansion for proper level.
2006-10-06 08:45:31 · answer #8 · answered by ground_control_to_reality_check 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
this ought to do it Linda, no big deal, do it just like it says, watch it hot, operating temp is when the needle on the Gage go's to half way or where it is when you are driving http://www1.excite.com/home/info/learn2/tutorials_qa_overview/0,14899,auto_714_9,00.html
2006-10-06 11:10:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋