Bleeding cooling system with GoWesty pump

[pomfritz]

Just replaced the radiator as well as a few other items. Overall the result was great and the gauge is reading about a needle width of two lower than it would register before. So now the needle is over the red LEDor just to the right.

Having never bled the system before I was somewhat apprehensive on how to do this send had read many threads on the procedure. In the hopes of making this as easy as possible I bought GW's pump. It comes with instructions and by following them I was able to get the air out in about 4 attempts.

Basically you add the coolant, pump it up. Instructions said 15lbs but I could only get to around 10-13 before I could hear leaking from where it attached to the expansion nipple. Opened up the bleeder on the radiator and could hear the air coming out. On the fourth time doing this it was only fluid coming out. Aldo I opened up the heater vents. I don't have a rear heater and along with this job I installed the rear heater delete kit they sell. Previously the PO had just looped the two hoses together.

Judging by how much coolant I was able to remove and how much I added, it appears I was about a gallon low.

One thing I wasn't sure if was if I had to run the engine and open up the thermostat. Well I didn't and the coolant flowed in. I'm not sure what was going on with that. If anyone knows the answer please chime in.

Also this was an early 1.9 engine I had and bleeding instructions seem more geared towards the 2.1. I did not have any other bleeders on my system. There propbably was supposed to be one attaché yo one of the large hoses running along the firewall but a PO took it off and plugged it.

Still looking to do some upgrades on the hoses and tank but for now the front half is taken care of and using the opportunity to get my spare in order and those parts cleaned up and sprayed with some bedliner.


Probably the vanistan engine swap is the next major upgrade. And getting a muffler back on will be a real treat. Fell off a few months back on out first trip out.
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83.5 233K. GW 2.3, SS exhaust, My German Frau named her Stefi

[tjet]

I have the same bleeder & it works great. My only complaint is that the hose is too short - which doesn't allow you to rest the pump anywhere.

It took a few attempts to get all the air out.

[david2676]

I run my van up on a set of $30 harbor fright ramps this puts the rad as the highest point .. run the engine for a bit then bleed. super easy... never and issue.
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64 bug
91 Vanagon/ Subaru swap Westfalia

[vegpedlr]

I like my GW pump, but it does take a couple times to get the air out of the system. I like it because you can test the pressure cap and pressure test the system to look for leaks. I used mine to bleed my system in an empty lot before I got to the root of the problem, the head gaskets. The downside is that I can't get the main coolant tank full, but it seems that topping off the overflow works fine.