How to Get Air Out of a Truck Radiator
Getting the air out of your truck radiator is of primary importance. Air in the cooling system can lead to overheating, which can potentially lead to severe engine damage. Air can get in the system when you replace any component in your cooling system, such as your radiator, radiator hose or thermostat. Removing air from your cooling system doesn't require any specialized tools and only takes a few minutes.
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Instructions
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Allow the cooling system to reach ambient temperature. To do this, simply turn off the truck's engine for at least one hour.
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Open the radiator cap and set aside.
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Turn the truck engine back on.
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Turn the heat to "Max". This will allow the coolant to flow through the heater core, so that all air pockets will be removed.
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Squeeze the upper radiator hose while the truck engine is on. This method is called "gulping," and helps in eliminating air pockets.
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Rev the engine up to 2,000 RPMs and hold for about 15 seconds, so that the cooling pump pumps fluid through the system at a faster rate than when engine is idled. Fluid will be forced through the system and will bring all the air pockets up to the radiator, thus purging the air out of the radiator. Repeat this step about 2 to 3 times.
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Close the radiator cap.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If the gauge is getting hot, it means that there is still air in the system and you will have to allow the truck to cool down and then repeat the process of getting the air out of the radiator.
The cooling system can reach very high temperatures (200+ F). Use caution, wear eye protection and cover your skin.
