Changing coolant - tips on removing air from system?

[nov74fj40]

I am replacing the thermostat on my F engine (11/74). I spoke with a guy at S.O.R about a new bypass hose, and he was in a hurry and mentioned to be careful about getting air out of the system or in will run hot. Can anyone tell me some specifics on what he is referring too?

My experience has always been to re-assemble and poor new coolant in the radiator. Keep the cap off the radiator while the engine warms - once the thermostat opens the coolant level drops and continue filling radiator.

Is it possible for air to be trapped in the system using this method?

Thanks

 

[Thornton]

Thats the way I've done it for years and have had no problem. Unless you have a son that's a mechanic and you can get him over to help.
My son has an attachment that he screws on to the radiator and it lets the fluid go in as the air comes out instead of having to watch it as the vehicle is running.
He brought over his new gadget that you attach to the radiator, hook up the air hose from the compressor and it draws all the air out of the system. It also has a guage on it that will show if you have a leak prior to filling. Open a valve and the fluid it drawn in. No air in the system.
It's nice having a son that's a mechanic.

 

[71FJ40]

Also, a simple and effective way is to pull the vehicle up on an incline (front first) - this allows air to move "upwards" towards the radiator then use the same method discussed above

 

[BinaryDude]

I used a Prestone quick flush that connects to the heater hose. Flushed the system with water. swapped in the tstat. then "flushed" it again. when the tstat opened the water was forced into the opening. then just followed the instructions to top off the coolant with antifreeze.

 

[flash02]

Something to keep in mind if you have not added water try and use distilled water, as it does not have and minerals in it. Minerals will separate from the water as it heats and cools, this will eventually clog you radiator. Were I live the water has an abundance of Calcium and Iron oxide, calcium will clog up a radiator in know time.

Distilled water...$1.00 per Gal

Radiator.....$100-$200 ea.

Good Luck!


Corey