where is the radiator ,and rad bleed screw please !

[Big Boris]

hi all ,
going to attempt to drain the cooling system tomorrow as i need to replace the pipe that runs from the back of head down to the heaters as it has split ,tried to find a new one but cant get one anywhere tried vw heretige ,brickyard , gsf ,so a kind guy in work is going to machine up a reducer so i can go from 25 mmm at head down to 18mm that caries on to the heater,anyway its the first time i have drained the system so what i really need to know is where and how is the best way to get to the rad so i can drain it off and also locate the rad bleed screw to bleed the air out .i have read and printed off a copy of baxters explanation of how to do it so not totally blind ,just need to know where the rad and bleed screw is (1989 1.6td california )
ta,
Borris

[California Dreamin]

The radiator is at the front as you would expect, remove the top grill by turning the top cross head screws 90 degrees. The bleed screw is on the top left side (as you look at it).

But before you go draining off the system the normal proceedure would be just to clamp off the pipes either side of where you want to work. This way you loose just a bit of coolant so bleeding is much easier and quicker.

No tool kit should be without a couple of these:



Martin

[Big Boris]

thanks martin ,
this isnt the first time youve helped me out on here and really appreciate it,i will be draining the whole system and replacing it with new coolant so i guess i just need to drop of one ,or both hoses from rad ?
Borris

[California Dreamin]

Ah fair enough....if you are changing the coolant anyway.....

To be honest it doesn't really matter which hoses you remove as long as enough coolant comes out......taking the hoses off the radiator wouldn't be my choice as they are not that easy to get to. Best to pull off hoses that are easier to access, possibly in the engine bay area (as low as possible on the engine) then litterally flush through with your garden hose (change it's position to ensure all the old contaminated coolant is flushed out and runs clear). The problem is that even when you think the system is fully drained you may find that there isn't enough space for all 8 litres of coolant. Like I say...remove several hoses and push them low to the floor to get maximum drain before re-connecting and refilling.

Martin

[Titus A Duxass]

No tool kit should be without a couple of these:



Martin

Those are nice where do you get them from?

Cheers
TAD

[Hacksawbob]

No tool kit should be without a couple of these:

Actually no toolkit should be without two sturdy tent pegs and a couple of thick cable ties


Personally I wouldn't touch anything that connects to the front to back plastic coolant pipes unless you have replaced them recently or planning to change them in the near future, they are prone to corrosion on the ends and disturbing them could lead to them disintegrating altogether. Rad pipes are probably your best bet. Coolant is toxic esp to moggies and doggies, hose down any spillage's.

[California Dreamin]

No tool kit should be without a couple of these:



Martin

Those are nice where do you get them from?

Cheers
TAD

I've had mine for 25 years and really every tool kit should have a pair........(mine are Girling) but I've had a quick look and found these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAKES-FUEL-H ... 4ab5b16166" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[Titus A Duxass]

Cheers for the link.

[Big Boris]

hi all ,new adapted pipe on but couldnt undo those bloody clips to drain system totally so topped up with antifreeze and bled system ,oh well at least its back on the road anyone know any tips on removing them clips (not jubilee the other type ) i squeezed together with pliers but couldnt for the life of me get the buggers loose ?
borris

[AdrianC]

anyone know any tips on removing them clips (not jubilee the other type ) i squeezed together with pliers but couldnt for the life of me get the buggers loose ?

Just cut 'em off, and replace with new Jubilees.

[ghost123uk]

Yep I have done that to all of mine

[Hacksawbob]

The Vw spring clip are a not nice on and off but they do the job well there is a tool for them hose clamp pliers, but I find mole grips will doo the job if they don't open enough you can cut off the tang that prevents opening too far. Have a search on the forum for mikalor clamps It's been discussed before as you aren't the first as you can imagine!