UNIVERSAL COOLING SYSTEM VACUUM PURGE AND REFILL KIT

[crazymilk]

Anybody used one of these type of things when changing/flushing coolant system?

http://www.drapertools.com/product/0954 ... Refill-Kit" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MGP]

Can't see that it would work due to the lack of bleed pipe from the top of radiator back to expansion tank.

[crazymilk]

Why would that make a difference if using this on the header tank?

[MGP]

Because the expansion tank is not the highest point in the system, as you would use the vacuum to pull the coolant into the system the design of the radiator means that it doesn't need to be filled to the top before coolant will start to flow down the top hose, once this happens the vacuum won't have any effect on the empty space at the top of the radiator.
It it comes with a fitting small enough to fit in the bleed screw of the radiator it might work.

[crazymilk]

Arr yeah I get you now.

So it will clear any air locks up to the level of the header tank- ie in the pipes that run under the van?

Could you not just top up the rad through the bleed hole when it has reached its highest level?

[MGP]

Much easier to find a length of pipe that is a snug fit into the filler neck of the expansion tank (the one with the pressure cap) to effectively make it the highest point in the system

[busbuddy]

try and find a video of one being used, ive seen them in action and the coolant pipes being sucked flat by the vacuum is not the best thing to see if your pipes are not 100%

[crazymilk]

try and find a video of one being used, ive seen them in action and the coolant pipes being sucked flat by the vacuum is not the best thing to see if your pipes are not 100%

Yeah that was my thoughts, I am having horrid problems trying to get rid of the air blocks in my EJ25 conversion.
Would it be possible to use another method?
I am sure I read somewhere that somebody used a hand help pump hooked up to the header tank cap valve and forced coolant in that way until all air was out of the system.

[nicq]

I wonder how the block seals would stand up to having vacuum put on them, a lot are weeping at the moment.

[MGP]

If your having problems bleeding it make sure that the pressure cap is working correctly, if it can't build up pressure you will never bleed no matter what your doing.
You could also try drilling a small 2mm hole it the thermostat.
You could try pushing the coolant in but that will only fill the top of the radiator for you it won't clear any pockets of air in the block you will need the coolant circulating to do that.

[crazymilk]

thanks guys for your help, it is an EJ25 Subaru motor and I am using and aftermarket thermostat.
Could it be a crap thermostat not opening??

Is there anyway of testing it?

[MGP]

Yep put it a pan of water and heat it up it should be open when the water is around 90 degrees. The exact temperature is normally stamped on it.

[lloydy]

Much easier to find a length of pipe that is a snug fit into the filler neck of the expansion tank (the one with the pressure cap) to effectively make it the highest point in the system

yup, if you google 'libby bong' you'll get some info on how to make something like that. To be fair though, once i understood the way to fill the system its quite easy with no extra contraptions.