Best 3 Ways to Bleed Air Out of Your Car's Cooling System

In this video I'll go over 3 ways you can bleed your cars cooling system. Everytime you open your cooling system to fix a leak or replace a bad component you must bleed the system of air pockets, otherwise you run the risk of developing overheating issues, your heater not working and other related engine performance issues.
Here are links to products which were used in this video:
Spill Free Funnel: amzn.to/3tIp4Qp
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[@jeremyTallen1]

Those spill free funnels are life savers!!

[@Darjan_Spasojevic]

I'm so glad you're back big bro. You're an important asset to the KZbin diy automobile teachers.

[@autosaida5119]

How can you even call this guy an asset 😧

[@EdgarAllanGo]

This is the best explanation AND demonstration I have watched out of the 50 videos. Thank you!

[@gordythecreator]

Thanks man! I'm pretty sure 10-15yrs ago, I've gone "down that rabbit hole" chasing the iDLE problem. PLUS, your "coolant system flush explanation" is the best I've heard.

[@vancott7399]

Thank you very much dude. I appreciate you going to go try that on my car now. I had the idle going up and down.

[@markrobert6940]

Thank you. Your videos are the best I've seen. Your articulate, smart, and you explain so most people can understand. 5 star's. Thanks again.

[@coreybabcock2023]

You really came up in the last several months so happy for you

[@epg8709]

Very informative as in all your videos. I for one have always enjoyed everything you post, and even at 65 years of age and the fact that I have been wrenching since I was about 13 years old, you my Brother have certainly taught me more than a few new tricks of the trade. Thanks for all you do and all the Awesome information you put out there for all of us.

[@thickness815]

I want to say that I know quite a bit about car mechanics but this guy has given me some knowledge I did not know. GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@JonnyDIY]

Great job, have heard of this method, but never seen it demonstrated 👏👍 I usually just do the funnel method. Heck sometimes I dont even use a funnel, just keep topping it up and letting it burp 👍

[@toddrubino2065]

Thank You for the step by step video you made on this topic. I followed the same steps you suggested. I used a funnel. Everything went perfectly . All the air is out of my cooling system . Everything works perfect . Thank You . 😁😁😁😁😁

[@DonWouter1]

Amazing!! This helped me fix my overheating problem and rough idling

[@jonathangoode1075]

Much appreciated. Very useful information, and enlightening. Especially pointing out that something so simple, such as air pockets in the cooling system could cause fluctuation in idle speed. No one else on any Jeep forum or informational video I've seen even gave this possibility as a problematic solution. It was also an excellent suggestion to raise the front of the vehicle while performing the process of removing air from the cooling system. Thanks again, your intelligence is appreciated. You not only gave one approach to doing this job but three. Very interesting, and thorough. 💯

[@chungaleta1234]

I don't know why I ended up drunk. Too much alcohol in my "System" perhaps LOL!!!!

[@marcadominguez]

Shit up I'm trying to watch somebody talk about Asian cars so please shush

Owww this was such a great guide to this kind of problem. Most people go directly to the sensors when they have this idle rpm bouncing on the engine. We sometimes have this problem when changing the cylinder head on maritime diesel engines, so we always drain the whole coolant from the system, change it and then fill it back again. Same problem, same fix but all and all completely different workarounds. Nice to see.

[@qmbikerider4583]

Very well described. Much more helpful than many other guys. Thanks.

[@mcansonmez]

Full of information! Thanks!

[@jajaid6]

Another great video!nice looking shop!

[@darrylmcleman6456]

I LOVE my spill-free funnel!!! CHEERS from HERE!!!

[@JeffWinter1]

Hey, hey, hey, going great, got a new video up!👍 Bought a coolant funnel with a T plug, very helpful.

[@flowerchild777]

I'll personally never bothered with my cooling system but I guess if I ever had to, I could do it, thanks to you. So thank you🤗

[@jessejamesprovencio8246]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@GOODNESS-sp4hm]

GREAT MECHANIC & EXCELLENT TEACHER 👍🙏

[@angeloattard]

So professional. Thank pal 👊👊

[@vitocarpucci]

Very good explanation on bleeding the system! I like the "take a shot when you hear system" idea but feel that I'd be plastered in no time! LOL Thanks for posting this.

[@johnpage5815]

Great job thanks for the introduction of information very good

[@mitomr.twiceasnice4358]

Salute from Screwston TX 🤠

[@eliorti]

Thank you very much for the info and technique it worked wonderful. I will leave my detailed experience in case anyone has a similar scenario. My 2016 Chrysler 200 only has an overflow tank so that is what i used the first method on and it worked flawlessly. I parked on a decent slope with the tank at the high point but i also opened the radiator bleed valve (small plastic twisty boy) until the coolant came out in a steady flow while running at operating temp. What brought me to this problem is that i opened a coolant line to get to another component and let in air while doing so. My main symptom was a sloshing or water faucet like sound when i accelerated, accompanied with a much weaker working heater core. After properly bleeding the air as you described, plus the valve thing, all is well. Thank you again. Good luck to all reading !

[@christopherbailey3567]

I have my funnel in and my bleeder valve is open. Do I run the car to get the coolant to come out of the valve?

[@TravisL.Desmadreson]

Dude, keep up the good work. A pleasure to watch your content!! lmao @ "system" = a shot

[@DakhilB]

Very Helpful With No Tools... Thank You

[@mikeault7]

I would be so hammered if I did a shot for the word System . Good video I did learn things I thought I already knew . Esp. The funnels. Ty

[@jimharrington9963]

Cool video thanks.

[@cryptoanalysts5793]

I love you man , how is the avocado trees doing

[@gordythecreator]

I remember the Florida locals calling those MUNNY TREES

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

Had no idea air in the cooling system can cause the josh idle. Thanks for the tip.

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

They have those radiator funnel kits now. It’s awesome…next best thing since slice bread

[@jlopez65]

My 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX has an idle surge at warm up and goes away once completely warmed up. Mechanics have never used a no sill funnel to bleed it out. I have replaced the IAC twice and it did nit solve my idle surge. Thank you forvthis video!

[@willdavis2964]

To remove excess. coolant from funnel, you can use the sprayer from a spray bottle and insert the stem into the fluid and spray it out into a container

[@boots7859]

Just get a dowel or piece of tube and put some electrical tape on it. The screwdriver and paper towel is even simpler and handier.

[@smerk429]

Turkey Baster ?

[@John_Rod]

Here’s a tip, diy’ers definitely get themselves a spill free funnel. Professional, a coolant vacuum refiller is a must.

[@rrmech11]

Nice job

[@CarlosContreras-gk9gp]

You are the best !

[@UccelloLibero86]

Thank you so much

[@matthewcharles6991]

Thanks man.

[@tigerwrestler1023]

Can you please give a suggestion what pump to use? Thanks

[@brianmiller5471]

Thanks Man, Really Appreciate your Vedio😅

[@bobert59]

Using the Lisle funnel and after I believe I've gotten all the air out, do I take the funnel off immediately or do I need to wait for the engine to cool down before removing it?

[@gjvik-lyna-lag-nu6hf]

Can i use the same method on the Coolant tank in my Mercedes w212? Instead of on the radiator like you do.

[@DragonQueen78]

I have a Kia Spectra 2009 that is doing this. Because of the age of the car. I think it's more of an issue as to where this air is getting in. Where would you say that is happening? Could it be the cap itself or even the hoses??

[@sullydee2237]

good video

[@andyl9920]

Got a code for bad thermostat. Replaced it. Drained n flushed the coolant. Bled the new coolant using a dpill free funnel. Got temp up to normal, but my cooling fan does not come on (it never did prior to replacing the thermostat) unless the AC is on. I also noticed the lower radiator hose is not warm. But im getting heat and no overheating. Could it be the coolamt temp sensors? I really hope its not a faulty thermostat that i purchased new. My check engine light keeps coming back on every two weeks giving me a bad thermostat code. P0128. Cooling fan comes on when the AC is on, so im assuming its not the relays or fuses? Maybe Re-bleed the system?

[@FredLarracuente]

Salud to "the system" hermano!! LOL, I swear, didn't noticed until you mentioned it then, it was all I was hearing. 😅 Great video though!

[@DJimeku]

is it safe to keep the cap off for 20 min? I see white smoke coming out of it. Trying to bleed the coolant currently, but hesitant cap is off and it's not pressurized even though engine is at operating temp.

[@williamwhite9767]

I can't get the bleed screw on the water pump out on my 2005 Dodge Magnum Hemi and using the big funnel with the extension that mounts it higher is all I need to fill the system.

[@joserios2832]

I subscribed because of the system lol 👍🏼. What if my heater doesn’t work. Will it still work? I’m doing this to a 302 engine from 1990. No experience but have done everything to my car 😊

[@dr.mohamedaboomar3031]

Thanks

[@724riff]

I am a little confused tbh , if you remove that much coolant aren't you allowing air in somehow , or is there more pressure in the system because of less fluid and less air to create more pressure

[@manicmandownup]

Can an air pocket be causing coolant loss? Maybe through evaporation? Not sure…

[@coreybabcock2023]

I use a kats coolant heater I installed it the other day below my water pump inlet

[@Vinny_Capatony]

I have a 2.2 vtec accord from 1997 and on cold starts my idle will surge unless I hold the pedal very slightly to stop it from doing so until it gets warm then it idles perfectly fine. I’m not having overheating issues but I heard on these years idle is connected to the coolant system so I am curious what you think it may be thanks

[@gordythecreator]

My 1994 cd5 accord DX coupe needs LOWERED. It came with 18's, and I've never had rims OR lowered a car. iLove the Prelude btw.

[@boots7859]

FYI, Harbor Freight sells an air operated vacuum pump for $17 right now in 2023. PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVEAir Vacuum Pump with R134A and R12 Connectors Downside is it uses AC fittings, so you'll need to frankenstein something. I don't need to change coolant very often. Wonder if doing a normal flush and refill, then pulling a vacuum and just refilling some more would work for 99%? Just replace the rad cap, drill and solder a fitting into the old one and done?

[@callofdutyguy9]

I have a 2017 Tacoma. Was doing a drain and fill. I filled the radiator and ran the engine with the heater on and didn’t really see any air bubbles. I was expecting the coolant level in the funnel kit to go down and add more as the thermostat opens. I test drove and temps seem normal.

[@ljbrandt500]

how do you pull a vacuum with the heater core or thermostat closed?

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Bravo 👏🏼 ?: any concerns with rad hoses collapsing when under a vacuum ?

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

It's not too much vacuum, good hoses can take it easy, the keyword is GOOD hoses.

[@bwagenberg]

How is the bleeder screw used with the third method?

[@yoboyjose5.361]

Would you know at what temperature does my electric fans kick In 2003 Honda civic ?

[@JanielRamirez-rv3kh]

I have a 2000 mercury sable ls. I found a better way on the car care nut using bleeder valve. Can bleed the system with heat on without ac. It's has rear vents

[@elgarfio4186]

I got a 1991 honda civic ,tha the rpm goes up and down aftergetsto a normaltemperature, I all ready change the idle valve, and still doing the same thing, yo think that's the problem?? Air in the cooling system? I'm going to try the blinding! Hopefully works, and thanks for your information sharing, big fan 👍!!

[@user-vv3ex3lm1r]

Did it work? I got a code for idle control valve so I took it off an cleaned it, now my idles going up an down like crazy, I know coolant runs through the iac valve so maybe when I took it off and put it on I got air in there?

[@farukh73]

Hej how bleed air if cap is on reserve botel and can we bleed after we change coolan 1 month befor?. Thanks in advance

[@daviddraine5849]

Airlift works great

[@deanl4664]

Which vacuum kit is that?

[@Argedis]

My 2014 Mazda 3 manual says the OEM coolant is good for 10 yrs... Considering it might have been built in 2013 it will be 10 yrs old in 2023. Is it normal for newer cars to have that long coolant service intervals?

[@spanishh2001]

Yes

[@duplicityustin3400]

I tried all that I could but nothing seems to be purging the remaining air out of the system. I’m not sure where the it’s trapped but would someone be able to help? I have an 04 Toyota Celica I recently replaced the thermostat (I made sure it actually worked, & then made sure to install the correct way). Did this procedure (minus elevating the coolant reservoir). I was able to massage lower hose until I didn’t hear any air. However can’t reach the upper hose due to other stuff being in the way. The reservoir on the breather cap side is half full, & I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be completely full but can’t seem to get the system to refill it on it’s own. Any tips? I also warmed up the engine to open the thermostat and then drove on an incline. After letting it cool down I was able to get some more coolant in, but I can tell it’s still not at max capacity (it overheats). Please someone help. I am so new to DIY cars and it’s daunting doing everything myself as a 21 yr old female. I’ve already spent a lot at shops fixing other things and this is supposed to be simple but I can’t seem to do it 😢 Please please please help lol I just wanna drive my baby.

[@analogman9697]

I just took my 05 Magnum in. They replaced the water pump and when I got it back the heat was not working. Does that sound like they might have created the problem? Thanks.

[@AllSoWavyReese]

Can u turn the ac on instead of the heat ? Its summer time

[@craigweis6576]

Bleed the cooling system. Get the air out of the Jeep 4.7 ... put a new serpentine belt on. Mine was shot. See that hex head plug with the orange sealer surrounding it? That is the plug I unscrew to burp the cooling system. I screw in a small plastic funnel after draining the cooling system for a change. I always jack the front of the Commander up so the engine is tilted just a tiny little bit. [My Commander has a natural lower rake look to it, high in the back] 1~Fill the radiator. 2~Test the radiator cap. Will the cap hold 19 lb. [my factory original cap failed to hold 4 lb.] 3~Put the cap back on. 4~Fill the overflow bottle at least halfway to the factory paint mark. 5~Keep filling coolant until the funnel is full. 6~Start the engine. Immediately the coolant will be sucked down into the engine, water pump, and hoses. 7~Keep adding coolant as the engine and thermostat warm. Don't allow air to go down the funnel. 8~Wait, keep filling if necessary. But keep the funnel full. A full funnel is the 'foot-head' and is the highest point in the cooling system. Watch the overflow bottle, it may go up. It may not. But it is there to keep any air out. 9~Once the engine is up to normal temperature and the funnel is still full, have a friend increase the engine rpm from idle to about 1,200 rpm ... the coolant will again be sucked down into the engine. Add more coolant. 10~When no more coolant will go down the funnel and still holding the 1,200 rpm steady ... remove the funnel and screw in the threaded hex plug. 11~at this point the cooling system is full and burped with no air pockets. You can't do better than that. Now can you? scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/285347463_10160371359036098_8879653788977682329_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s1080x2048&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=UhYQo_V8XN8AX8F8HhK&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=00_AfDUZo8OofO-ofSV32SFcQId5z1Q-Vr8ouzADf6tptWhcg&oe=646DC372

[@jbobdavis1984]

Anyone who could explain this, I would greatly appreciate it. So I've been having overheating symptoms since flushing my radiator. I had air in the system, finally realized what the problem was. While I was having problems with overheating, my oil pressure went up. After I got the air out of the system, my oil pressure went down and overheating symptom disappeared. Is high oil pressure with air in the radiator normal?

[@user-ro1vs7iu8f]

We don’t have a Honda we have a 2008 Pontiac torrent, how do I refill the cooling system?

[@phillipnjuguna7736]

What makes that I have to add water every morning in my radiator. Yet there is no water linkage. What do I do?

[@elmarito007]

So will it work if I jack the car up from the front instead of parking incline?

[@biggiedickson]

Same thing

[@remarco9119]

Do you know a mechanic here in Palm Beach County Florida that can do this? My Dodge came back with trapped air causing a sound of sloshing water in the dashboard after the dealership replaced a broken coolant hose. The ingenious dealership will find other things to fix except for this one. I’ve tried 4 other mechanics who tried clearing the evaporator drain and bleeding the cooling system other ways but can’t fix it. The sloshing water in the dashboard is still there… disheartening. So difficult to find a mechanic mechanic. Anyone has recommendation, greatly appreciated.

[@realliveboss5381]

Works for Northstar motors?

[@markjosephdiosana7126]

I installed new radiator in my car. Radiator is full and I fill up coolant reservoir to full also. Is it normal the coolant in the reservoir go down to 3/4 full after 2 days? Thanks

[@eAmponzah]

cracked/warped head

[@paulsmith9341]

I bought a rubber plug at Home Depot to put in the bottom of the funnel for about a buck.

[@dukert27]

Haha that would be a hell of a drinking game.

[@thomasbrittinghamjr.8508]

Followed your advice. Now I'm seven shots in and shit faced.

[@soundspoon]

top o the mornin

[@ashleysnyder4875]

CAN YOU PLEASE DO a VIDEO for a vehicle that DOESN'T HAVE A RADIATOR CAP?! Is it the same?!

[@seanjohntwild]

I have a question, when doing this, why does my thermostat not open?

[@bajaaddict]

Will not bleeding coolant system cause car to lose coolant and overheat?

[@mattleibrock]

What if I did this and it just kept bubbling up over the funnel

[@MerohDIY]

7:42 Hahahahaha ❤️

[@chrisshumake83]

👍👍

[@matejlinek287]

Can you elaborate more deeply about the IDLE problem caused by air bubbles in cooling system? How does it happen since they should be two individual systems. I've been facing idle problems in my petrol Peugeot 206 (year 2000) for 2,5 years now. Tried IAC valve, throttle sensor, MAP, air temperate, water temperate sensor, purge valve, various injector cleaners, replaced seals in intake and injectors.... RPM sometimes drop or even stall the engine when shifting down gears. I think it's affected by weather as well. Also, when driving down a hill in gear with no throttle , the car shakes a bit. It got worst when I was driving downhill through switchbacks / serpentines while downshifting at the same time - car was stalling all the time. Accelerating from standstill is also more difficult than before - now I have to apply gas while releasing clutch. Before I could get moving just by the clutch.

[@wackey3455]

i see he dident get back to you/ seem to be hard to track down the problem you have/ i not a machanic but have you checked a leak in your system or. not the coolent system/

[@woodensurfer]

Change the coolant in the coldest time of the year when cooling demand is the lowest. After ten minutes of running and squeezing on all the large hoses, when the engine cools a little open and refill. Do this a few times your coolant level will be fine. Any more will be drawn from the expansion tank after a month.

[@bikersoncall]

Time stamp for #2 method?

[@djwhiz03]

🙌🏾

[@steveramirez1654]

👍

[@QBRX]

Yeah, except most systems don't have a radiator cap, they've got an overflow tank. What's the best way to do it on a more modern setup?

[@YeOldeGeezer]

My car from 2011 has both.

[@user-cz1ex7kf2g]

My car only has an expansion tank and no radiator fill cap. Here is what the shop manual says to do: 1. Fill the system to the MAX mark and close the expansion tank cap. 2. Connect an exhaust hose. 3. Start the engine and let it run for a short while at varying speeds. 4. Top up with coolant ant screw on the expansion tank cap. 5. Run the engine at varying speeds until the thermostat opens (radiator fan has started). 6.Turn off the engine and top up with coolant to MAX if necessary.

[@eliorti]

My overflow tank worked great for the first method. Anyone reading this i left a detailed comment in the thread explaining my experience. Good luck !

[@chadcovey1626]

What are you 12?

[@QBRX]

@@chadcovey1626 No, add 70 years

[@NV..V]

So this is for the system?

[@alvinpettitt120]

Wasnt what i was looking for at all