Bleeding rad!

[smarty72]

Decided to swap the new rad this evening.  

All going well until trying to ensure all the air is out, put around 9 litres back in, but have air somewhere, can't get hot water to the rad or heater matrix.

Bled it as I (believe) I should, had coolant working its way up both bleed tubes, have massaged all the hoses I can get to but no joy.

Anyone have any tips??

[shnazzle]

Have you run the car? Not for a long time. Having the water pump going helps move stuff around, especially in combo with massaging

[smarty72]

Have you run the car? Not for a long time. Having the water pump going helps move stuff around, especially in combo with massaging

Yes had it running briefly, enough for the temp gauge to move to where there should be warm air from the heater matrix, haven't driven it though...

And yes, was massaging too, also raised the rear of the car as I had read that somewhere, bit stumped as to what else to try at the moment...

[gazza1286]

Presumably there's coolant visible in the bleed tubes?
Whilst the engine is running Try turning the heat control fully cold for several seconds. Then turn it fully hot. Cycling this a few times has helped me in the past to burp out and clear air locks.

[smarty72]

Yes, had coolant visible in both bleed tubes prior to closing them.  Did try briefly turning hot and cold, but not for several seconds, will try that now...

[smarty72]

Left it alone for best part of an hour while I had my tea, tried it again and all appears in order - h0t air from the heater and the rad is also heating up, happy days.

Thanks guys.

[Joesson]

Bleeding rad!
Sometimes the double meanings in our language are so apt!

[ChrisGB]

I don't think the heater matrix has any valving on it, so that won't make a difference. Until the thermostat opens, there is no flow through the radiator, but there is flow via the bypass, back through the heater matrix returning to the block. I would recommend it needs to be warm enough for the thermostat to be open to bleed it properly.

[shnazzle]

I let it run until the fans kick in. Then you know you've hit the spot  s:) s:)

[smarty72]

Just waiting for the fan to kick in at the moment. Feed and return from the rad are hot, and hot air from the heater too, just waiting for the fan to confirm it..

[smarty72]

Well fan kicked in and all the pipework is hot, think I'm there, thanks guys.

Dark now, will put the plastics back in the morning - can have a poke around to make sure it's all dry down there too.

[Alex Knight]

I've found it helps to jack the rear of the car up as high as you can. Helps any air pockets travel to the reservoir.