How to Get a Bubble Out of Coolant in a Vec

Vauxhall Motors began building vehicles as early as 1903.

Vauxhall Motors manufactured the first Vauxhall Vectra, known as a “Vec,” in 1995 to replace the extremely popular Cavalier. Like all modern vehicles, Vecs contain a radiator that uses water and antifreeze to cool the vehicle’s engine. Air bubbles in the coolant are dangerous because they prevent the coolant from flowing properly, which in turn causes the radiator to overheat. Fortunately, it is possible to free these air bubbles from your Vec’s cooling system.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Tap water

Instructions

1. Park the car in a garage or other work area and let it stand until the engine is cool. It is very important to let the engine cool so that the coolant in your radiator is not under pressure. If you open the radiator cap before the liquid has cooled, the hot, pressurized liquid will shoot out and burn you.

2. Unscrew your Vec’s radiator cap slowly so that any remaining pressure is gradually released. The caps required to perform fluid maintenance on your Vectra are colored yellow so they are easier to locate.

3. Turn on your Vec’s engine so that the coolant in the radiator begins to circulate in the system. As the car engine circulates the coolant, fill the radiator’s expansion tank with clean tap water. Fill the expansion tank so the waterline is just above the “KALT/COLD” line. If you own a V6 or diesel Vectra, you will need to open the expansion tank to see the level of the coolant.

4. Replace the radiator cap ensuring that it is properly tightened so no more bubbles can enter the system.

5. Open the air disposal valve located near the radiator lapse and the radiator’s cylinder head. The exact location of the air disposal valve will vary depending on your Vec model.

6. Examine the air disposal valve to see if any bubbles are forming around the valve. If you notice any bubbles, it means air is still trapped inside the coolant and you will have to repeat the process. Continue this process until no bubbles form around the air disposal valve. When no bubbles remain, close the air disposal valve and refill the coolant expansion tank so it is filled to the appropriate level.

Tips & Warnings

• Coolant contains ethylene glycol and can damage your skin. Wear gloves to protect your hands in case they come in contact with any coolant.

• The radiator contains hot, pressurized liquid that can cause serious burns. Always let your engine cool before starting work on the coolant system.

• Make sure the area you are working in is well-ventilated while you are running the engine.

References

• SG CarMart: Watch Out for the Dangers of Air Bubbles
• Vauxhall Motors: Vauxhall Vectra Operation, Safety, Maintenance
• Vauxhall Motors: History and Heritage
• TechGuys: How to Flush Your Radiator / Cooling System
• Popular Mechanics: Choosing the Right Coolant