Bleeding And Filling Cooling System With Vacuum Filler (The Best Method in My Opinion!)

In this video I show how to bleed and fill a cooling system using a cooling system vacuum filler. The particular vacuum filler I am using in the video is a UView Airlift Cooling System Leak Checker and Airlock Purge Tool Kit. The process is similar among many different brands of cooling system vacuum fillers. In my opinion, using a vacuum filler is the best and easiest way to bleed and fill a cooling system. It removes 100%ish of the air from the system.
Note: This demonstration is applicable to vehicles that have had the cooling system drained and that need to be refilled.
Warning! Special care should be taken when working on a hot cooling system. This video does not go over this as the vehicle is totally cool. Use our owners and repair manual for specific information regarding the dangers of working on a hot cooling system.
Step 1: Place the head of the tool as shown in the video into the coolant degas bottle, aka reservoir, or place the had of the tool directly into the radiator where the radiator cap fits.
Note: placing the head of the tool in an over flow bottle will not work. While the overflow bottle is a part of the cooling system it does not handle pressurized coolant and cannot support a vacuum.
Step 2: Attach the venturi tube, the hose that has the T in it, to the head of the tool. Then attach the air hose from your air compressor to the venturi tube.
Step 3: Open the valve on the head of the tool allow a vacuum to build. Allow the vacuum to reach approximately 25hg. Then shut the valve off.
Step 4: Disconnect the venturi tube from the head of the tool. Watch the vacuum gauge on the head of the tool. There should be no drop in vacuum. If there is then inspect for leaks. If no leaks can be found then it would be recommended to fill the system with water instead of coolant during the next steps. It would then be recommended to pressurize the cooling system to identify where the leak is at. (I'll have a link to a video showing how to perform a pressure test below.) If the gauge holds proceed to next step.
Step 5: Attach fill tube to tool head. Place the screened end into coolant container until the screen reaches the bottom of the coolant container. Open the valve on the head of the tool to allow coolant to be sucked into the cooling system. Keep an eye on the coolant level in the coolant container. Do not let the coolant level fall below the screened end of the fill tube. Once level approaches the screened portion of the fill tube shut the valve off on the tool head stopping the flow of coolant.
Step 6: Take fill hose out of coolant container keeping the screened portion of the hose pointed up and above the level of the tool head as to not allow air to enter the fill hose. Fill coolant container with either coolant or water in order to obtain a 50/50 mixture of coolant. Insert fill hose into container and open the valve on the tool head to allow coolant or water to flow into system. Allow vacuum to dissipate. If vacuum is still present and the coolant container is close to empty then repeat above instructions to add more coolant or water. (Do not allow air to enter the system.) Once vacuum is gone then the system is filled. Replace the radiator cap or reservoir cap.
Note: While it is a good indication that the system is tight if the vacuum does not drop in step 4 I would still suggest performing a cooling system pressure test to insure no leaks are present. Sometimes a cooling system may not leak under a vacuum but will leak under pressure. Here is a link to a video showing how to perform a cooling system pressure test.
• How to find a coolant ...
Discloser: As an Amazon affiliate I earn commission from qualifying sales.
Here is a link to the tool featured in this video: https: www.amazon.com...
DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Also, Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate.

[@DustyGoatHomestead]

I really really appreciate this video. Working on my daughters car i learned that her Nissan specific year model is bad about getting air pockets causing it to overheat. This may save me from throwing parts time and money at the problem. Thank you.

[@awdmute]

Grateful video! I was considering picking one of these up, i never realized how simple they are

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

They are!

[@dham99]

Nice how-to! Im picking one of these up for my vehicles as the drain/refill/burb method is not always consistent. Adding a vacuum and for the coolant to refill naturally this way seems like a nice easy way to ensure the air is out.

[@glennfitzpatrick3891]

This was the clearest description of this process that I have found. Nice job!

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Glad it helped!

[@jonathanrayne]

​@@BarboursAutoHelpThis is a nice video but where was the orange air hose going? Was it hooked up to something on the other end because your video didn't show where the orange air hose was going.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

To an air compressor

[@gregyani5914]

@@BarboursAutoHelp Hello and thanks for very informative video. Short question: the small "hot dog" style compressor from harbor freight is enough or it must be something bigger or special? Thank you in advance.

[@renoleevans]

Great job letting everyone know that they needed an air compressor. It may have not been obvious to come people! There aren't any videos I've seen that really mention it.

[@Mr500RWHP]

I like that way of replacing the coolant, better than standing there and slowly pouring the coolant

[@truckinman86]

I often premix my coolant and water in a clean bucket. That way, I don’t accidentally end up with an unbalanced mix if my vehicle takes more coolant than it does water and anything left over goes back into the jug and I write 50/50 mix on the jug.

[@johnwagner4559]

Hey Keith, these are a great help and easy to do. Great content. 👍

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Thank you, Sir.

[@airvine91]

I could see working on an older car and the vacuum causing hoses to collapse and crack. Wonder if pulling vac at a slower rate would minimize the chance.

[@jerryfrederick6610]

Great video. Good info. Straight to the point. Thank you.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@registrationaccount1034]

What about the heater hoses. Does it work without the heater on and circulating? Also what about the air that was in the hose before you opened the valve to let coolant in?

[@phareztrinimand]

Yes it fills the heater core and hoses, me personally I use a T fitting, so when I pull a vacuum is open the fitting to the coolant and the system, when the coolant reaches close to the entrance i shut off the valve to the coolant and leave the system to go in a vacuum, after I shut off my vacuum pump supply and open my coolant, at that point hardly any air would be introduce into the system, his method is ok also, because the system is under vacuum the air would remain at the highest point of the cooling system, so the little amount of air that entered won't affect the system, it would purge itself out

[@nicolasmendoza6183]

Interesting concept, you should post a video! I understand your explanaition for the overall method but I didn't understand how you were able to acheive this. Does the T fitting have a seperate entrance for each, the fluid and the vacumm source? @@phareztrinimand

[@505fastlife6]

I tried using this tool for the first time on a Buick Lucerne. I tried first on the reservoir tank and couldn't pull a vacuum. I then switched the tool to the radiator cap and still couldn't pull a vacuum but it sounded like the reservoir cap wasn't sealing. Am I doing something wrong or do I need to replace the tank?

[@boatsail1]

why not the radiator cap?

[@tkostang]

Pressurize the system with air if vacuum drops then use spray bottle with soapy water….. look for the bubble bath. Spray all the areas where hose connections are… just my 2¢

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Sounds like a great idea! I'd recommend regulating the pressure somehow. Wouldn't advise any more that the spec on the radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap.

[@4272005]

Agreed but I think you meant if the pressure drops not the vacuum.

[@robhoffecker2086]

Question: 2011 F150 XLT I've never changed my coolant. 🙄 I recently bought a vacuum fill device. This video is very helpful!😁👍 How do I use it to empty the system of coolant? Do I need to do a system flush before adding new coolant?

[@ulf-dieterkoepp7865]

Very good to explain to the beginners. Must this device be on place and then start the engine?

[@Cash2112]

My coolant system is already filled, can I use this tool to bleed all the air out without having to drain and refill?

[@andrewchambers9813]

I would imagine whatever coolant you put in would get sucked out in the process. I haven't used one of these yet but it seems like it wouldn't have a problem sucking out liquid. Just make sure the air bleed hose is running into a container and reuse whatever gets pulled out once it reaches vacuum

[@johnnywalker4409]

If there is currently some remaining coolant in the system will it suck that out during the pressurize, before the fill process. I have not removed the bottom hose for my project only an upper pipe while I did a starter motor, hose had to come off the water pump. to gain access. it takes 2 gallons and I only lost approximately less that one

[@StopTargetingOurKids]

But didn't the system just suck in a whole hose length of air?

[@Theferg1]

Great video and info!! Do you have a update link for the tool because the link you have it's dead? Thank you

[@JoshuaM-qt9rn]

Im trying this on a hyrdaulic bleed and fill however i dont understand what happens to the air that is left behind in the vacuum does it disappear or do you have to open some bleed valve to allow the fluid to flow through and push the remain air out on the other end?

[@dannyzr1214]

Hello my question is will the air bubbles still come out even if the cooling system is full? Or does the system need to be empty thanks

[@ursulawilliams1637]

I recently had my radiator replaced but there seems to be air bubbles inside my radiator hose. Would I have to flush it all out n than refill it using ur method? Would that work?

[@mattiaconti8885]

Nice video! Do manufacturers say what negative pressure is safe when pulling the vacuum? It would be a nice info!

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Not that I’m aware of. But, they do recommend vacuum fitting.

[@mattiaconti8885]

@@BarboursAutoHelp Thank you very much :)

[@barrymcockener4336]

Quick question does the cooling system have to be completely empty? Or will it just evacuate through that hose?

[@bradley8753]

Do you have to start empty or can you use this after you've already flushed and filled the system?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

I usually use it on an empty system.

[@diamondpointgunsmithingllc2612]

Quick question can you use with fluid in the system already? Wanting to use on UTV

[@gregdrmax]

Why didn't you purge the filling hose while pulling a vacuum? You introduced air into the system without doing this. Thx

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

This tool isn’t equipped with at feature. This is how this tool works.

[@ricbarker4829]

@@BarboursAutoHelp I would have manually filled the hose with coolant before attaching it. Allowing the whole length of that hose full of air into the system ruins the whole concept.

[@ericericgoodwin8147]

How you getting the air outta the heater core when the thermostat is closed....... it only open at tempature

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

It sucks from both sides of the thermostat. Also, there is a small pin hole in most thermostats.

[@Funky_Geek]

Can you use this method to flush your existing coolant system?

[@timdurden6855]

where do i get the shop air or compressor to perform the vacuum,, I dont hav any info on what type and pressure of air or compressor,,, please help,, where to buy? thanks

[@markiefufu]

You can get a $100 compressor at Home Depot or Harbor Freight. I have a Husky from HD that runs at 125psi and it works perfectly for this.

[@makgstefan]

none and nowhere ever tried my idea. Can you tell me if i'm wrong on this? My idea is to leave the system full with coolant first. Then plug the filler and make a vacuum while you empty the system with the vacuum. Then when you empty the system and you have completely empty and vacuum system refill it with distil water until full. Then empty it again with the same method until the water will be clear and then fill it up with the right coolant. Is that gonna work or not? None try that on video so i am curious why not?

[@andrewplough9897]

I could be wrong but I think if you tried to drain under vacuum it would just let air into your vacuum lol seems counter productive just flush with a hose vacuum and then fill

[@dc9mm2]

Nice

[@bernabetijerina7104]

Can i use a portable air compresor, like the ones you plug inside the vehicle?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Not enough volume. Your tool kit will have more instructions. You need a compressor with a tank on it.

[@tojones1967tj]

My coolant is already filled will it work if i drain radiator down so coolant want suck up in the vacuum tool

[@markiefufu]

That's exactly what I did on my Cummins 8.3 diesel. But I drained coolant from the oil cooler. I was then able to suck the air out and then add all the coolant I removed plus coolant to replace the air that was in the system. So basically it's you are only blessing air, you need to remove some coolant to keep from sucking it up.

[@user-ds9dt8ss8v]

helptful for a school bus fleet thank you ]

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Glad it helped!

[@03greycobra]

Can this tool be used to remove a stuck air pocket in the system? Without draining a refilling the whole system.

[@ricbarker4829]

If you want to reuse the coolant to try and remove air, put the outlet hose in a bucket and catch all the coolant, then remove the vacumn adapter and place the same hose (without letting the coolant drain out) that is in the bucket onto the cap. Open the valve and it will reclaim the coolant without the air. Just be safe, have some extra coolant in the bucket before you start, just in case your system is a little low as you don't want to be sucking air at the end of reclaiming it from the bucket.

[@machy1877]

Well done bro Can this tool used to suck or remove the old coolant

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Don’t think that is a use.

[@ricbarker4829]

yes it can

[@138152930]

I believe companies like Royal Purple say to use purified water, not distilled water.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Sounds good to me. Most manuals though recommend distilled. Personally, I use tap water. Not recommending that though.

[@poteitos5125]

Is this tool compatible with coolant systems with a radiator cap and overflow tank. (No expansion tank like the one used in your video).

[@waltersweet4595]

Yes just put the end in neck of radiator

[@bernabetijerina7104]

Question: do i turn on my air compresor at any point of this process?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

2:24 refer to the instructions provided by your tool manufacturer for more instructions and specs.

[@paulwary]

What rating of air compressor do you need for this? PSI+CFM or kPa+L/m

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Your kit should have that info.

[@josegarcia-th3pj]

the pressure does not disconnect your tool

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

I don’t understand. What are you saying?

[@josegarcia-th3pj]

I try using a conical adapter when I reach 4 psi the conical adapter leave the hole@@BarboursAutoHelp

[@musclefactory9181]

What’s the air hose connected to?

[@bigpicturethinking5620]

Seriously?

[@pyromaniac354]

​@@bigpicturethinking5620lol

[@pyromaniac354]

Air compressor. It says in the subtitles

[@jessenavarro1411]

Air

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Jordan

[@GelatoSnipes]

force 1

[@ashishvora3301]

No need to start engine

[@pyromaniac354]

No