Cooling System Fill and Bleeding Procedure

Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding

PARK THE CAR ON LEVEL GROUND, OR with the nose SLIGHTLY higher than the heater core.

Draining

 WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. when you are sure all the pressure has been released, (still with a cloth) turn and remove the pressure relief cap.

 CAUTION: The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated it must be recycled or disposed of properly.

NOTE: About 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.

  1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.

  1. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock (8115). If equipped disconnect the coolant return hose at the fluid cooler.

  1. Open the radiator draincock. Remove the cylinder drain plug, if equipped, to drain the coolant from the cylinder block (6010).
  1. When the coolant is drained, make sure drain plugs are installed and tight.
    1. Place a drain pan below the cylinder block.
    1. Remove the drain plugs.

  1. Close the radiator draincock when finished.

Filling

NOTE: YOU MUST OPEN THE CROSSOVER PLUG AND FILL IT UNTIL THE DEGAS BOTTLE IS FULL TO THE TOP THREADS WITH THE PRESSURE CAP OFF BEFORE MOVING ANY FURTHER

 

 

  1. Add the proper engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle and crossover plug. Add to crossover until the degas bottle is full to top threads with it OPEN.

  1. Move the temperature blend selector to the full warm position.

  1. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
  1. Add the proper engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks.
  1. Turn off the engine and allow the cooling system to cool.
  1. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 until the degas bottle level AND crossover is OK.

Bleeding

  1. Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air at A/C vents in instrument panel (04320).
  1. Start the engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at A/C vents.

  1. CAUTION: If air discharge remains cool and engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, engine coolant level is low in engine and must be filled. Stop engine, allow to cool and fill cooling system.

    Start engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from A/C vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose (8260) should feel hot to the touch.
  1. Shut the engine off and allow to cool.
  1. Check the engine for coolant leaks.
  1. Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle AND crossover and fill them as necessary.