Coolant fill procedure (from empty)

[bfloyd]

Like the thread title says, I'm looking for a proper procedure for filling my coolant system for the first time.

The car at it's present stage has had the fuel lines, spark plugs, injectors, and about everything fuel related removed for either replacement or cleaning. I've done the VOD cleanup, and have replaced the water pump, new SS coolant bottle, all of the VOD gaskets and o'rings, and every coolant hose on the car. My new DMCH radiator came last week, as did my "Wings-B-Cool" bleeder kits (front & rear) from DMCNW. The intake manifold and all of the related "top of the engine" components are still not in, since I wanted to pressure test the coolant system before buttoning it all back up.

Since I can't start the engine yet to get things circulating around... what exactly is the proper procedure for the first time fill and pressure test? I saw on the F.A.Q. section a thread about "flushing", but nothing really about "filling".

[Bitsyncmaster]

You can pressure test without any coolant. It would just be harder to find leaks if you have any.

On any car, I fill the via the open cap. I then start the engine until I see it warming up. If temps go above normal, shut it off, bleed, refill, repeat.

[jackb]

http://delorean2109.blogspot.kr/2008/08/burping-your-new-delorean-baby.html

[bfloyd]

Read the "burping your baby" write up. Looks like I made the right choice with the Wings B Cool kit. So I can just assume that the fill procedure is simply pour it straight into the coolant bottle until its full?

[Ryan S.]

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?9598-How-to-flush-coolant-questions

or if you have an air compressor, you may want to invest on an airlift (tool). I used airlift for my D and Lotus when I flushed coolant. Airlift makes refilling process very simple.

http://www.amazon.com/UView-550000-Airlift-Cooling-Checker/dp/B0002SRH5G

[novadmc]

I'm in the same boat as you. replacing water pump (pump was leaking but luckily not into the valley) and i want to test all my hoses in the valley especially before i start reassembling the intake manifold and fuel distributor assembly since i dont want to rip apart all this again due to a leak due to something not being tight down there.

[DMCMW Dave]

My recommendation on a "dry" fill is to open the upper hose on the right side of the radiator. Fill through the bottle until you see liquid coming out the hose/barb on the radiator. Close that up, now open the bleeder on the thermostat and do the same thing. It will speed things up a bit if you put your open palm over the filler opening and blow very low air pressure into the overflow hose.

Then close it up and start the engine, making sure you have flow from the bleed tube that comes from the back of the engine.

Most of the time that's it, once in a while you may need to run the engine for a few minutes, let it cool down, and repeat the burping at the two locations.

[Ryan S.]

You may need a pressure tester like this to check your system. You can also rent one from your local auto part store.

http://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-MV4560-Radiator-Cooling-Pressure/dp/B003V9L05G/ref=pd_sim_263_15?ie=UTF8&refRID=1GVYD0SBMCBS7640881D