Club 80-90 Forums

Hello everyone

I have read the wiki printed off what I needed ( "red warning temp light currently flashing" ) and geared myself ready for a simple top up of coolant and follow advise given....

The problem I am currently having is the bleed nipple..in my case, bleed bolt..situated on the top left side on the rad...I am unable to take it out as the nut keeps turning and turning (Both anti and clockwise!!)...there is no space to allow screwdriver and molegrip technique...

Q1. Is there a clever way of dealing with the bolt. Or would it be easier just to take it to the garage and swallow my pride on this occasion...

I did think about drilling a bleed hole just below the problem bolt and later sealing it with a screw...don't know if anyone has done this!!

good honest advise is most welcome...thank you for reading

Tom

tbh.i would fit another rad.taking it to a garage will probably cost you most of the price of a new one anyway.the light flashing could also mean a dodgy sender or dodgy level sensor in your header tank.i dont think drilling holes is a particularly good idea.

Thanks for your advise Rob

I am in the process of sourcing one...

carpmaster wrote:Thanks for your advise Rob

I am in the process of sourcing one...

www.brickwerks.co.uk

Just a quick question on bleeding the radiator.

How long do you bleed the rad for when refilling the system? I ask because when I open my bleed screw I have bubble free coolant coming out but I still think I have air in the system. How long does it take for the coolant to do a full cycle thus expelling all the air?

I believe it a process of patience and ensuring your on a slope...even then it's been suggested that you will have to do it (top up) on several occasions before all the air is out...It will involve driving your Van for half a mile to open up the thermostat...if your temp warning water light starts flashing again..top up is required...It sounds like your there if you have coolant coming out with no bubbles..take it for a spin and see what happens.
I'm starting mine tomoz...rain stopped play today..I will keep you posted...

Slope? Haynes says slope but others say nope

How often should you bleed your radiator? Should it be done once a year?

Cruz wrote:Slope? Haynes says slope but others say nope

I have read both haynes and parts of the Wiki and both say a slope of some nature...The length of pipes and volume of water the system carries is a lot.

Using a slope aids the coolant to take its natural course ( through the system )..only has to be a gentle one (front of van facing downslope).

I fitted my new Rad in today..what a job is was too...I had trouble undoing rusty bolts and screws and I supported my pipes (to retain a little rather than empty completly) only to knock them accidently..the result being covered in coolant..

The final blow was I tried to start up the van only to discover I had a flat Battery..stood for about 2weeks while saving the pennies..chapter 2 tomoz. I think my aux battery may be at fault for draining my engine battery..not sure..

donnieg wrote:How often should you bleed your radiator? Should it be done once a year?

I wanted to bleed mine because I parked up and I heard gurgles..I was on a slope..cab facing uphill when it happened..so I suppose one answer would be if you hear gurgles..

How often you do it would be personal choice and the climate you live (Scotland v's South West)..I am unclear on the lifespan of coolant..still learnnig myself as we all are.

I am so glad I changed the Rad..the old one was completly perished..toached it and dust. The reason why I needed to change it in the first place was because of my Bleed screw being knackered..I expect it was the cause of the gurgling sounds initially..letting out water..we shall find out..tomoz

carpmaster wrote:

Cruz wrote:Slope? Haynes says slope but others say nope

I have read both haynes and parts of the Wiki and both say a slope of some nature...The length of pipes and volume of water the system carries is a lot.

No slope mentioned by someone who bleeds a hundred vans a year at Brickwerks

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/bleed ... 29710.html

Cruz wrote:

carpmaster wrote:

Cruz wrote:Slope? Haynes says slope but others say nope

I have read both haynes and parts of the Wiki and both say a slope of some nature...The length of pipes and volume of water the system carries is a lot.

No slope mentioned by someone who bleeds a hundred vans a year at Brickwerks

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/bleed ... 29710.html

You have the person a person that says nope...I found this that says yep..

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Co ... ing_system

I belive we are trying to help one another..I don't want this to turn political..lets keep it cool..if you get my drift.

I'm just as confused as the next person as to the best way of bleeding the rad.

I think the coolant lifespan is 2 years for blue and 5 years for pink/purple

do you think there is a special bleeding slope in the vw factory?
NOPE!

as long as the cooling system is as it should be then you dont need a slope.

natural flow and pressure of expanding warming water will trap the air in the top of the rad and push it out once the bleed screw is undone!

if this is not the case then you have cooling problems!

billy739 wrote:do you think there is a special bleeding slope in the vw factory?
NOPE!

as long as the cooling system is as it should be then you dont need a slope.

natural flow and pressure of expanding warming water will trap the air in the top of the rad and push it out once the bleed screw is undone!

if this is not the case then you have cooling problems!

Thanks Billy and Cruz
Fingers crossed my battery charges okay and I can get on and learn how to bleed!!