How to bleed a Honda Element cooling system?

Question

Replaced the thermostat,coolant and flushed the system. Honda dealer said there may be an air pocket(no heat) how do I bleed the air pocket out?

Answer 1

There are two ways to bleed the cooling system Essentially, to bleed the cooling system you need to get the top of the radiator above the level of the top of the heater core that is located under the right side of the instrument panel.

technicians who work on cooling systems have a special adapter that is basically a combined radiator cap and a funnel that is put on the radiator. then the funnel is filled with coolant so that the level of the coolant is above the top of the heater core. Then the engine is run until the thermostat opens and the air bleeds out.

If you don't have the set-up to bleed the system this way then the only other alternative is to raise the front of the vehicle up so that the top of the radiator is above the heater core. (You can get an idea of how high that is by following the heater hoses to the engine wall on the passenger side of the vehicle; the top of the heater core will be a bit above the upper heater hose). I've seen the drive up ramps work well enough to raise the radiator up. I've also seen people drive the front wheels up a curb (be careful if you try that). Or, if at all possible, find a really steep hill (that works best).

when you get the vehicle properly positioned then you can allow the engine to cool so that you can remove the radiator cap. Leaving the car parked for an hour would be the right thing to do. then fill the radiator with coolant and run the engine until the level drops, then refill.

that will get the air out of the system

hope that helps

Answer 2

If the dealer did this work then he is responsible for having it in correct condition. If the heater worked before it should work now. The water pump circulates coolant to the heater. Maybe the valve that controls the flow is not opening. An air pocket would be unusual as the system is under pressure. The flush and fill is a $$$ maker for the dealer and does nothing for the cooling system. It can in fact cause your radiator to plug up. Tell the dealer to fix it. From now on stay away from dealers.

Answer 3

Look at the engine end of the upper radiator hose. Nearby you should find what looks like a brake bleed nipple - loosen it a turn or so and tighten it back down when a steady stream of coolant comes out. Life is good.