How To Bleed A Cooling System - EricTheCarGuy

How To Bleed A Cooling System - EricTheCarGuy
Kind of a request, I've described this procedure a few times in print but never made a video. As I said in the video if your having issues with a fluctuating idle, no heat, or an overheat problem you may want to start here. Also, if you have just serviced the cooling system in any way this is the procedure I recommend to fill it back up. The only regret I have with this one is the end where I didn't shoot footage of closing up the radiator using the tool that I used in the video, I may show it at some point in the future.
Here is a link, perhaps an old link, to the "Spill Free Funnel"
www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keyw...
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Click below and Stay Dirty
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Stay dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@silkytp789]

Seven years later, and this is STILL a helpful video. Thanks Eric.

[@sawsaw123abc]

right

[@bmw540i]

Yep, 8 1/2 now 😛

[@VinzofTay30]

Silky Tp almost 9

[@andreharris1397]

Bruce Lee's movies

[@Anonymous-ze4sx]

8 yrs later and yea

[@daleafcox2482]

Been watching this guy for years now. He's personally saved me thousands of dollars on repairs. Nothing but the truth!

[@thomassteele1728]

Now that you say that yeah. Hes saved me hundreds and will save me thousands throughout time I bet.

[@sleeperolds]

Thank you, Eric!!! Was frustrated with my 2000 civic idle problems after taking everything apart and cleaning. I watched your video, went out for 10 minutes and bled the air out of my water system and wow, runs and idles like it never has before. Thank you so much !!!

[@kenstephens2248]

Hi Eric. I found this video very helpful. Draining and Refilling my cooling system solved my idle problem. I had no signs of a leak in the system, but in the end, I realized that over time I was losing coolant through evaporation because of an old worn out seal in my radiator cap. I would suggest that people check the condition of their radiator cap while they have it off anyway. Mine was the original cap that came on the car in 1998.

[@dend.6523]

11 1/2 years later, an absolutely very helpful video. Unfortunately, I should have watched this a few months ago when I replaced a radiator on a Honda CRV. Your tips and tricks are awesome! Thanks Eric

[@xxmemekipxxlastname4846]

black people! otherwise the n word crowd!!

[@dustinmooreart]

Thanks for this video! Changed mine out this evening, and this video was invaluable. Saved me over $400 since a shop quoted me $575. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@ianmclennon3602]

Just finished watching your video on diagnosing overheating problems, and now watching the bleed video. Just wanted to say how much I appreciate the no-frills, straight-ahead approach to these procedures. Thank you for the insights.

[@julianrivera4252]

Vote for Eric the car guy ....... for president. Very helpful. Thanks

[@jza80king]

He'd be much better than fuck head Trump

[@DaBossk]

@@jza80king impeeech dornald blormpf durrrrrrhurrrrrrrr

[@jza80king]

@SS Obama is just the other extreme/establishment.... You are mistakenly assuming I'm pro Obama just because I think Trump is a moron. The only one playing the red vs blue game is you bud.

[@billbosch9127]

@@jza80king Trump is grifter conman and has been his whole life. Anyone who has the name "Patriot" in their business name or product name...avoid. These are the morons that would lick his balls if he let them.

[@billbosch9127]

You base your decisions on who should be president because they fix cars on YT? 🤣 Please refrain from voting 🙏

[@jeffkennedy8219]

Thank you. I never would have expected air in the system to affect idle. I Just bought my first Honda accord today, and I have a few things to test now.

[@jpreston9212]

Thanks Eric! Replacing the radiator in my 92 Honda Accord. I always learn a new trick or tip from you vids. Stay Dirty!

[@gschell7122]

I have to say that this video has made me an extremely happy guy this morning. I'm not a certified mechanic, but I've done enough work on my own cars over the years to have a pretty good idea of how to go about troubleshooting most issues and figuring out where the problem is coming from. I volunteered to help a friend with her 2000 Honda Civic LX that was having overheating issues. A friend of hers is married to a mechanic, who said that it was a head gasket issue. However, there wasn't any strong evidence that pointed to a head gasket issue. With the help of my brother and his OBD scanner, we took it for a test drive and noticed some wide-ranging temperature readings, which led us to suspect the water pump as the primary issue. Once I had the belt cover removed, I found the tensioner spring had failed, and that the timing belt was very loose, becoming glazed and hard. This also meant that the timing belt wasn't driving the water pump the way it should, so I figured we had found the problem. After replacing the water pump, the tensioner and the timing belt (and the harmonic balancer as well, because I found it had a chip in the back belt rim...), I went test driving. While the overheating condition wasn't as severe as before, it was still a problem, After testing the cooling fan, the relays and the fan switch, it appeared that the fan switch was not working properly, so I replaced it. Still overheated. Then I pulled the radiator hoses to inspect them, found no apparent problems, so I flushed the radiator and the block, put the hoses back on and refilled the system with coolant. Another test drive... Now the problem had gotten even WORSE! (UGH!!) I was getting ready to go buy a block testing kit to check for a blown head gasket when I found this video. Dude, your video helped me to save this car. I had no idea that so much air could remain trapped in the system, or cause such big problems. I followed your information and her car is back on the road today. It's still not quite 100% (the cooling fan doesn't come on with the compressor fan like it's supposed to, but it does turn on when the switch reaches sufficient temperature...), but at least she doesn't have to be afraid of pulling off the road because her car is overheating again. At any rate, I suppose that's just a long way for me to say, THANK YOU very, very much. :) I am now a happy subscriber to your channel.

[@kingdele01]

Man! You are awesome! My 97 Accord was surging & overheating and I just decided to watch this video and try your system just before taking it to the mechanic's tomorrow and it worked like a charm. Thanks for the videos!

[@makmelaf]

Thanks Eric! This video saved me a trip to the mechanic. The engine on my '97 Civic suddenly started racing after a radiator change.

[@AJRelaxesWith...]

Picked up one of those spill-free funnels today since I couldn't get the system to bleed properly and it worked like a charm. I recommend this to everyone, it makes it easy to bleed the air and prevents spillage which is something to consider if one has dogs that follow you like I do.

[@WilliamMartin-px5cn]

So you tried this without the special funnel and it didn't work?

[@warrenself]

@@WilliamMartin-px5cn The funnel makes it easier because you won’t spill coolant all over when the air bubbles come out of the radiator.

[@brendanwest603]

Just wanted to thank you for all the work you put into these videos. You have saved me lots of money and countless headaches.

[@rammithorn2654]

Most helpful video for what I’m experiencing with my Honda. 10 years later and still the most helpful video I’ve found.

[@mhansen52]

Thanks for this video! I was stumped after a radiator and water pump replacement and this cured all the problems. You rock!

[@ToledoCustomz]

11 years later and I still come back to see your amazing videos 🙏 so helpful

[@melaniec4188]

Your videos are so helpful for repairing our 1997 Honda Accord that even I could do this myself with no help! Thank you.

[@Mark-bg3sy]

Thanks for the videos, really well done and helpful. Had fluctuating idle and thought this was the reason because I just replaced the radiator (without bleeding the air). In my case it ended up being something else - A mouse had gotten in and chewed up the air filter. Debris had gotten into IACV, causing it to stick. Cleaned it out with some break cleaner, all good.

[@dpsheals]

It’s 2020, the coronavirus is out there but we all need a hero like this guy. So much valuable info for a novice like me. Been watching all your vids!!

[@dungeree7292]

Coronavirus lol. Aka the flu

[@5Reina1217]

i just wanna say thank you for these videos because this is the third or fourth time you specifically have helped me immensely =)

[@hm008vaj]

11 years later & still valuable information. May you be rewarded 10 fold for honesty and expertise. Stay dirty my online mechanic friend.

[@joemeccia785]

Hey Eric, I have plenty of mechanical knowledge as an older guy and I prefer older vehicles. my recent acquisition of a nice 95 Honda Accord with minor idle issues lead me to your video. The car had a recent new radiator installed. I would have never thought the coolant issues would lead to idle issues. I learned something new and appreciate your knowledge. Keep up the good work even though you posted this over nine years ago. It certainly helped me. Thanks.

[@dagobertosanchez7909]

Thank for sharing your knowledge Eric!

[@21064a01]

Forgetting to bleed the system can cause overheating. This video is very helpful.

[@galegregory341]

it's ok for just what it is when you have done all the checks and balances and things still are RI this video ain't worth crap but on the other hand it's good local information but for the more sincere person it doesn't go very far thank you for your reply and your post

[@roberttaylor7732]

13 years later, still helping us! Bleed my son’s Element after back flushing heater core. Thanks, Eric! #ETCG

[@China-Wave]

thank you Eric. it fixed my idle problem. i worked on my radiator hose a few months ago and the idle was going crazy. i burped out the air and the car idles way better

[@Krankie_V]

This annoying process is why I like to use a vacuum cooling system fill tool. Sure- it's not practical for the average do-it-yourselfer to purchase one to use on his/her own vehicles once in a blue moon- but for any mechanic, it's a great investment. I get a full fill of the cooling system each time and NO air pockets. It also helps you to figure out if the system has a leak before you fill it. If it won't hold vacuum, there is a leak. It's very useful. This tool also saves a lot of time, I've found.

[@autoparts321]

HOW MANY INCHES OF VACUUM SHOULD A GOOD SYSTEM HOLD? I MEAN MOST CAPS ARE RATED BETWEEN 10-13 PSI TOPS TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS (RADIATOR/HEATER CORE, GASKETS, HOSES ETC) IF YOU PULL VACUUM BELOW 28" HG YOU ALREADY HAVE MORE THAN 14PSI ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE FROM THE OUTSIDE GOING INWARD...

[@Krankie_V]

+ComputerUser321 you'll never get a full vacuum into the system... of it holds at 25" Hg, you're good

[@eduardoalmeida3625]

Thanks Eric... this information helps a lot.

[@adamburge3164]

I’m 17 and I had my car looked at by somebody and they said they didn’t know why it was overheating. An old man told me I had an air bubble in my cooling system and he described the symptoms without even looking at the car. This video is old, and ironically, I have the same motor in my accord. Thankyou for helping me out. This helps me immensely.

[@jayislander]

What did you do

[@carroll6]

Just used your method on my 6th Generation 2000 Honda Accord 2.3L. Worked like a champion. THANK YOU.

[@qpidrc9454]

Thanks for the info Eric.... heading outside to have it out with my Civic right now.

[@darylebollucks7726]

Where is the bleeder valve on a 1998 honda civic?

[@Curi0u50ne]

daryle bollucks _twelve months later_ on my old eg civic it's at the end of the top hose, near the jubilee clip, expect the same with your model, if not all or most cars,

[@beckyg4860]

thank again i'm still learning i never knew their was so many things involve with a car cooling system.

[@wyattklingensmith8862]

Eric is the reason i own a spill free funnel. Glad I have it every time I work on a cooling system

[@jessiroberts218]

ericthecarguy, is my go to, he has helped me fix car issues and/or guided me through procedure. I trust no one more than he. Thanks Eric for all you do.

[@SnowEngulfed]

Thanks for the video, Eric. I was able to bleed my own system and get rid of the revving idle and overheating engine.

[@tkclan4882]

What do you mean revving idle? Can you explain it

[@Vince-DM]

+TKclan he means like the idle speed going up and down, usually happens with bad sensors but I suppose it makes sense as a cooling issue with modern engines

[@tkclan4882]

+Vincent Rogue would a bad ECT sensor cause this? Because I'm getting a CEL code 6 which is the ECT sensor.

[@Vince-DM]

TKclan very likely, I would replace it anyway

[@tkclan4882]

+Vincent Rogue lol what do you mean very likely I would replace it anyway? Or you mean very "unlikely"?

[@lanceuppercut6168]

Love the Bullit sound effect intro :D

[@josemanuellara9923]

11 yrs and still helpful don't ever take this down 👍👍👍

[@roadworthy6901]

Will try this weekend on my '90 integra, ive had idle issues since i had the radiator replaced, i think you nailed it with this video, thank you so much Eric.

[@billbosch9127]

Damn, what dumb ass replaced your radiator and didn't bleed it?

[@Benjamin12539]

Thank you Eric, it helps lot how you show it. thanks again and Jesus Bless you...

[@noanyobiseniss7462]

I prefer to listen to a guy covered in grease for my car advice. :D

[@chrisgraffam3357]

indeed

[@AndAy224]

That was it! I replaced it today and the temp is now perfect. Thanks for the heads up!

[@glbequestrian8780]

Thanks Eric you have helped me immensley, just found where my leak was coming from to be able to fix it without costly mechanic labour charges

[@shipper66]

You sir and Scotty Killmer is all I need :)

[@markd.2536]

Scotty's a hack!

[@damienwillis6068]

Yeah right more like the Mack.

[@Lazarus.09]

Hey Mr Eric, where would the bleeder valve/screw be located on an 02 Civic LX? I can't seem to locate it. Thanks

[@z100tgp]

Another great and informative video by EricTheCarGuy. KZbin rules!!!

[@BlackRabbit0303]

Thanks Eric! It worked!!! I had replaced both ECT fan switches, the thermostat and thermostat housing for good measure!! The car just needed to to bled properly all along!

[@ddd228]

Some engines do not have a bleeder. Find the highest point,usually a heater hose and bleed that one. Also,parking the car facing uphill helps a lot. Revving the crap out of it helps to push the bubble out as well.As far as the coolant filler Eric used,I used a MINI traffic cone. Works fine.About 10" tall,but my filler neck is straight up.

[@kevin.afton_]

Since the fluid is circulating in the system, shouldnt it remove the air little by little in the filling tank?

[@AntDaddy1977]

Kevin Afton if the engine sits higher than the radiator air will get traped and coolant won't circulate. I first encountered this on a grand prix the heater didn't work changed water pump, thermostat, and saw the bleeder cracked it open then air bubbles came out after a min a stream of water. I had heat and a normal temp .

[@kevin.afton_]

Anthony Tucker Hmm, so if the filling tank is higher, like on most of the vehicles, it should be OK, right?

[@AntDaddy1977]

Not sure I have only had this problem on some GMs

[@memadmax69]

The older 3100/3400 V6 engines didn't have a air burp line that ran from the from the top of the thermostat housing to the overflow tank. Instead they had a air bleeder valve on top of the thermostat that you had to open/close manually. Later on they added what looks like a steel metal line that does this. Easy to spot this line on top of the thermostat housing which connects to the radiator house on the right hand/drivers side front of the motor.

[@xgonagetcha]

2023 and I'm still watching this..

[@MarcusStephanson]

Well explained, simple, and a bonus tip with the vice grips. Thanks.

[@Arcturian1111]

1.1 Million Subscribers and over 2 million hits on this video. Awesome... Good job bro. Congrats. I subscribed just today myself. All the best Eric, and thanks for the great car fixit videos.

[@genematuzek7664]

When refilling and you have a radiator hose with a radiator cap and you have a resivor tank. Do you refill in the radiator cap until it is full or do you just fill through the resivor until its to the full mark on the resivor bottle? The car is a 2013 Chrysler 200 2.4 engine.

[@billbosch9127]

Both.

[@unstabledavid]

followed your directions went from no heat to plenty of heat thanks

[@casadepanda4012]

10 years later, STILL helpful! Thank you as well. :)

[@number4861]

CasaDe PANDA 10 years and 2 months, STILL helpful!

[@SMARTvtorg]

Thank you Eric - your video instruction is well-done, professional and engaging. Your Subject Matter Expertise is impressive and no-doubt the result of a lifetime of problem solving. Thank you Sir. - Mark Renkert, Mscl - Burlington, VT

[@SuperSocomSeals]

I didn't realize air in a cooling system could cause overheat/no heat in cabin situations so I asked around and a few people told me I had a blown head gasket. Lol glad I didn't listen to them, this seemed to work great, although I'll have to drive my car around more to see if it's 100% fixed

[@buhshmuh]

Did this in fact fix your cars overheating? I am going through a similar situation and have been told it could be the head gasket and that it is 1800 just to open the motor and diagnose

[@calvin6314]

Fern From Lake Ave hey buddy I hope your car is doing well. If you're still worried about the head gasket, I would suggest doing a pressure test on your cooling system. You can rent a tester from a parts store for free

[@gilsgarageofficial]

Fern From Lake Ave that’s a load of baloney, they have kits you can buy for like $20-30 range that you put on the radiator or expansion tank cap while car is running to see if combustion gases are in the coolant as the fluid in the kit will change color

[@GLICIOUS21]

Hey Eric, what about the V6 Accords that dont have bleeder valves? Any tips?

[@kingjayceedagreat5339]

Put it on a hill or some type of slope air always rises to the highest point

[@johnkolb3302]

thank you for this! car was idling high. and fluctuating between 1-1.2k rpms. went to my local advace and spend 40$ on that funnel and it fixed my problem. no mess. and now i have a nice funnel. you earned a subbed :)

[@robertrhodes2597]

Ok Erick, your the main man.after doing this that and the other, to my over heating problem I took your advice and bleed the cooling system.well to my amazement the problem is now 100percent fixed!!!.Thank you Erick.Rob from new Zealand.

[@Yahgiggle]

i just use a plastic 2L coke bottle with a cut off bottom and tape around the cap tread to make nice tight fit into the radiator , nice and cheap and works sweet.

[@mobilechief]

That's the Trucker method

[@lisagriffin8898]

Deon Hamilton. Great idea.. Thank you.

[@6bat6manz6thesh1t]

Did the plastic not melt ?

[@rickjames6948]

@@6bat6manz6thesh1t Are there no schools in your area?

[@6bat6manz6thesh1t]

rick james it’s a valid question . Plastic can melt at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and the radiator can heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Do you not have anything better to do ?

[@DennisNedryisStillAlive]

I just realized the sound clip in the beginning is from the car chase in Bullitt.

[@memphis52k]

Your the man! Just helped me agian fixed my overheating issue on my 05 civic.need new stat and both ur videos helped me big time understanding thermostat and bleeding coolant system. Your videos are the best very informing and well detailed.good job bro .keep up the good work! Be safe

[@georgegunn150]

Eric has helped me a lot especially with Honda problems, a big thanks for great informative Vids.

[@Followthepinas]

Do you let the system cool down before capping it off?

[@TomsLife9]

doesn't matter, just check the level after your next drive

[@kristianmagee9976]

Hey eric what would you do if you dont have a bleeder valve?

[@richieschmidt6225]

Kristian Magee no worries. A lot of cars don’t have them. Just make sure your fill point (radiator fill cap) is the highest point so air easily travels upwards and escapes.

[@TheFunnyclips101]

Car guy I just have to say thanks for your info saved my ass and it was such an easy fix straight to the point and proper knowledge about the problems at hand 🤘🏼

[@carlkraus6034]

Just replaced the radiator, thermostat, hoses and pump. Didn't know how to get the system full of coolant. You helped a lot. I didn't know about the bleeder plug. 2001 GMC Jimmy. I'm rebuilding my AC also. Your AC video helped with that too.

[@samhan7048]

Do you recommend jacking up the front end while bleeding it? Or keeping it level?

[@1234videofreak]

It helps get rid of the big air bu bbles trapped inside

[@miguelthebest384]

@@1234videofreak what helps? Tilting the car up or keeping it level?

[@kristipton7112]

@@miguelthebest384 tilting the car up on jack stands

[@Karfanatik5011]

Where can I find one of those funnels can't seem to find one here in Sacramento Ca

[@danodii1972]

you can find one on amazon or ebay

[@ivorymomm]

Lisle corp.

[@unglued9167]

best sub iv added been doing this 18 years now and your still the only one that teaches me tips and tricks

[@ryanhughley4853]

This funnel save my car and it worked. I had three seventh generation honda civics, the first 2 were 03's and the last was an 01. I essentially did the same preventative maintenance on all three as far as if nothing else changing coolant hoses and thermostats. The 2003's I bled the conventional DIY way by filling up the radiator with coolant, starting up the vehicle, turning the heat on high and letting the radiator burp and topping off coolant after the thermostat opened. This method worked fine, the temperature gauge got just below the half mark and held fine and all was well. Turned off the vehicles, replaced the radiator caps and off I went with the coolant system properly working. The 2001 Civic was the last one I purchased and I replaced timing belt, water pump, radiator, multiple parts of the cooling system. This is where the fun and headaches began. During the process of bleeding it I had no heat and the temperature gauge kept rising to the point where the antifreeze was getting hot, bubbling up and spewing out the radiator. Did this several times and the same result. I was baffled because 2 of 3 of these civics this technique worked just fine. Only difference was the first 2 were the same exact year but they all were the same generation so everything under the hood was identical. After several attempts and a few more thermostats I kept getting the same results. I was at a lost for words so I checked out this video. Now to the best of my knowledge I could not find a bleeder screw on there so I followed Eric's instructions and it worked like a charm. Apparently there had to have been an air bubble within the cooling system that not only caused it to overheat but I also had absolutely not heat coming out the vents. I followed his instructions step by step and I was worried because I just assumed using the spill free funnel that the coolant would bubble up and start spraying out everywhere like it had been doing before but it did not just like it did in this video. It bled fine, got to normal operating temperature and I finally had heat. I got mine off of Amazon for $20. Best investment I have made for that car. One of the best features about it as I wondered about was after the car was cut off and the coolant cooled down I used the stopper that it comes with to maintain the remaining coolant in the funnel and I was able to put it back in it's original container so not only did it work for bleeding the system, it also was absolutely no mess made putting the rest of the antifreeze back in the antifreeze container. I would highly recommend purchasing one of these funnels and mine came with multiple adapter fittings for various makes and models of cars.

[@GymChess]

If there's no leak then drive the car and when it's cooled off, open the reservoir cap. The air will then come out. Top it off with more coolant (if necessary) and take another drive. Repeat the process until the coolant level stays the same.

[@BlackDragon-xn2ww]

that what I do always worked the air bleeds out

[@thadonofdetroit7679]

if you dont bleed the cooling system after lets say a water pump and thermostat replacement, and then you experience overheating, could you still bleed the system after the overheating to correct the overheating problem?

[@mikecheeze4312]

Donald Walker yes, you can bleed your system whenever

[@Gloria-ri4td]

My jeep commander keeps over heating

[@Gloria-ri4td]

I need help

[@Gloria-ri4td]

I change termertat i dont have hot air coming in my

[@harryharriott5192]

11 years later and this is still a great video to watch!!👏🏾

[@laurawalsh270]

Eric the car guy. I watch you frequently as I am forced to be a self taught mechanic. This video was extremely helpful because I had to just change my water pump. The question that I had was does a machine coolant flush also flush out/clean the heater core? Thank you so much! Your big fan.

[@Mr.Pop0]

my pops had a radiator leak, smeared some crap all over it to make the leak stop, filled her up, didn't bleed it, blew a head gasket lesson learned the hard way

[@memeco50]

tell us he did this before the time of the internet, please.

[@atraxr603]

So you pretty much just keep the radiator cap off till it heats up? That seems simple enough.

[@asnappletruck]

.....with the bleeder valve open and the heater on high, but fan off.

[@Brian-dh2zz]

Thanks for making these videos, this worked perfectly and my heat is now blowing as warm as the day I bought the car.

[@ichikedai]

Awesome video. The detail of what to do and why you are doing it just earned another subscriber. Thanks.

[@frankgonzalez24]

My friend changed the coolant in his car. After that, his engine would heat up. I looked at it and found it had air trapped in the cooling system. I bled the air out by leaving the radiator cap on and starting the engine. Then letting the engine reach operating temp. Then carefully and slowly cracked open the bleeders and let the air trapped in the cooling system escape. Once coolant started coming out of the bleeders, I closed them. DONE, his heating issue went away.

[@crazydrifter13]

+Frank Gonzalez Cool story bro. So you did whats shown in the video.

[@frankgonzalez24]

+drifter13 No, my friend changed the coolant in his car. After he changed it, the engine would heat up when he was at a stop light. As he got going, the temp would drop. When stopped, the temp would increase and the cooling fans came on but the temp would still increase, that's when he gave me a call. After I started the car, the engine reached operating temp and the fans kicked on but the temp would still increase. Air flow through the radiator was fine but the air flowing through the top of the radiator was much more cooler than what was flowing at the bottom, that indicated air was trapped in the system. Left the radiator cap on and cracked open the two bleeders, but did not remove them entirely. Left them in this a few threads holding them in the bleed holes, At first a hissing sound came out of the bleeders. That was the trapped air in the system escaping. When coolant started to come out of the bleeders, I closed them. DONE!!! Drove his car around after bleeding, temp issue went away. He didn't know he had to open the bleeders when filling the empty cooling system.

[@TheMidnightNarwhal]

+drifter13 Looks like you need to learn to read because apparently you can't.

[@tkclan4882]

+Frank Gonzalez so you don't actually need this spill free kit and wait for the bubbles?

[@raczyk]

Did you have to top off with coolant after the air bleed?

[@F0XD1E]

Tried doing this with a funnel, waiting for the fans to come on, never came, coolant started gushing out of the funnel all over the place. It was a blood bath. At least I had enough coolant to refill it.

[@Curi0u50ne]

F0XD1E hi wen engine gets to a certain temp the fans should kick in, so there you go... thermostat needs to be looked at.

[@krzewoman]

Curi0u50ne

[@renegade3552]

It'll do this if it's not sealed. The coolant has a higher boiling point when pressurized. Just do it until a majority of bubbles dissipate. Then put the rest in the overflow. Gravity and vacuum will do the rest.

[@howardcrider10]

Hi Eric just wanted to say thank you for all your videos!! Glad you like Honda's!!!

[@robertleerichardsonsr.5699]

Thanks for that video I have never hear of a spill free funnel until now, I am going to go out and get one, so thanks a lot!

[@rondoschiavoni8840]

Eric , I noticed in this video you opened the bleeder screw while the engine was cold not running , yet some people do it while the engine is hot and running ,which way is the proper way to do this? I have a Buick lesabre 3800 v6 motor better yet can I do this bleeding system procedure with out touching those bleeder screws in case I snap one off

[@jonsey1886]

Yep, you don't actually NEED to use the bleeder screw....it just speeds up the bleeding (also called burping) process. Also spend the $20-$25 US on a Lisle spill free funnel, it's well worth the investment!

[@dukeman7595]

I like the traffic cone idea mentioned above in one of the comments, which probably cost him nothing.

[@rondoschiavoni8840]

you are right I did mine last week and I just squeezed the top hose when it was running and hot and it sure bubbled out more air.

[@stphelps12]

I have a similar car my self 2004 buick park avenue and I'm having the same issue. I just wish someone would answer your question with details.

[@jimcampbell9671]

Hey, I have the exact same car. Just put a heater core in it. Now I still have no heat due to lack of coolant flow through the core. If I rev the shit out of it I get some heat, but that's not very practical. Either I have a huge air bubble in the system or it is leaking into a cylinder as I am topping off the system several times a week. I have no coolant in the oil and nothing on the ground. The GM service manual says to fill the radiator and overflow tank to full, install the cap, and run the engine at 2,500 rpm until the system reaches operating temperature. Shut off the engine and let it cool. Then remove the cap and refill both the radiator and reservoir and install the cap. That is the extent of the manufacturers' information. The only problem with that is it doesn't get rid of air bubbles and GM doesn't tell you how. With winter approaching I need an answer myself ... fast! If I have a head gasket leak I'm in trouble. Stay tuned......

[@YNTGUNS]

ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS!! Lol

[@mattzadworny]

That is so helpful ! I had replaced water pump & timing belt about 3 weeks ago and since that time i have problem with heating... I"m gonna try ur method tomorrow and I'm 99% that this is it :))

[@shanemeredith2079]

its 2020 and i still found this video useful! thank you so much!

[@devolutionrc8016]

I have a 1994 BMW 3 series it has a clutch fan and an electric fan how can I tell if the clutch fan is okay?

[@madermaxx]

subscribed :0) good luck getting a reply devolutiondave,dose not appear to answer anyone,lol

[@devolutionrc8016]

Lol the car is junk in my eyes anyway.

[@jcstevegigs]

Does anyone know the importance of turning the fan OFF and heat ON when he's filling at the end? Does it make a difference if the fan is ON too? Thanks!

[@mop10000]

+Steve Murwin It doesn't matter, as long as the heat is on it opens the valve...

[@jcstevegigs]

ok, thanks!

[@mop10000]

Steve Murwin No problem!

[@zippySquirrelface]

if the heater fan is on the heater core will act as a radiator and cool the coolant and it will take longer to get your car up to temperature. pretty much just a waste of gas.

[@franksterthug]

+Mike MacD that's why the fan stays off so that you don't cool it down as it warms up

[@ThaHardDude69]

I just wanted to say... Great work in most of your vids Eric. Kudos to you and all of your efforts.

[@bradleypgamer996]

13 years later and this is still a helpful video

[@bassred7065]

3:52 dude turned into George Clooney

[@futureshock7425]

lol so true

[@rickyjohnson974]

Lmfao

[@DKTPAirsoft]

How

[@bassred7065]

@@DKTPAirsoft Watch a few Clooney movies and you will see it.

[@stufftod]

when the coolant level stops dropping you know it has displaced all the air inside of the system.

[@garyesabarasr6477]

With the coolant going up and down, brought back memories of blown head gasket. I like the way Eric explains procedures. Owning a 69 chevelle and 71 Camino, I stay dirty and the rust out of my eyes.

[@thomasnavarro4642]

Hell yea 11 years later and still helpfull af thank you Eric

[@plaguedoct0r]

Damn it. Why does no-one give tips on full system air bleed? Turns out my water pump has a friggin air bubble in it that won't come loose. The bastard. All I know so far is to try putting it on an incline. I also thought of maybe using a plunger on one of the pipes? IDK. Anyone got some tips?

[@fusionstar916]

Take out the thermostat and force some water through the radiator hose. all i got.

[@ghostwico2722]

Plague Doctor )(

[@da324]

You shouldn't be putting greasy gloves all over the steering wheel and behind the seat when backing up. And that funnel is nasty too. How hard is it to wipe it down after each use? I do most of my work, but I had a guy work on my Cadillac one time. Got in it and grease was everywhere. I reamed his ass!

[@ghostwico2722]

da324 b

[@enriqueortiz5440]

Most mechanics clean any mess they made before sending the vehicle back out. I really don't see the issue.

[@HackHunter1835]

I was thinking the same thing. That should be for antifreeze only, use a different funnel for oil changes etc.

[@snealon802]

I could watch you all day long, There's something about a man that isn't afraid to get dirty working on a car! Besides that I appreciate all your knowledge and even though I am a woman you have helped me a lot, and I can fix more of my car problems than before and if I go to a mechanic I can at least be more knowledgeable about my car, in hopes not to get taken advantage of in bogus auto repairs. Thank you Eric, You're the man, the only thing better would be if you could actually work on my car your self ;-)

[@juianquiroz8130]

Thank You so much for your video and help Eric! I find myself recently unemployed. So I couldnt call on my mechanic on this one. And for me not knowing anything about cars, this video fixed my problem and saved me some money too! I appreciate you very much! Keep Rockin Bro! JQ Clovis CA