How to Burp the Cooling System
A vehicle's engine cooling system typically includes a water pump, radiator hoses, thermostat, heater hoses, radiator and radiator cooling fans. All of these parts work in collaboration with one another to keep the engine cool during operation. The thermostat in the cooling system controls the engine temperature by opening and closing. Bleeding, or "burping," the system of air pockets is essential to the proper operation of the cooling system. The work can be challenging because of the dangers of working with automotive coolant. Be sure to read the Material Safety Data Sheet, listed in "Resources," prior to performing this project. Inexperienced mechanics are advised to have a professional handle the work.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Radiator hose pliers or needle nose vice grips
- Certified automotive drain pan
Instructions
-
-
1
Open the hood, engine cover, or trunk deck lid of the vehicle. Most vehicles have engines in the front of the vehicle, while others have mid-mounted or rear engines.
-
2
Visually inspect and locate the pressurized radiator cap. This cap is located on top of the radiator, or on the top of the coolant reservoir. Remove the radiator cap from the radiator or reservoir. Set the cap in a safe place out of the way of your work.
-
-
3
Locate the upper radiator hose. This is the hose that comes off of the back of the radiator, closest to the top of the radiator. Place radiator hose pliers or needle nose pliers across the hose to clamp the hose shut for the duration of the job. Place a certified automotive drain pan directly beneath the radiator cap hole, whether it is on the radiator or the reservoir.
-
4
Start the engine and let it run for no less than 15 minutes. If the temperature outside is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, add 5 minutes to the running time for every 10 degrees the outside temperature is below 50. For example, it if is 30 degrees outside, add 10 minutes to the running time for the vehicle.
-
5
Adjust the knobs or levers on your heater control panel to full fan speed, full heat on the hot/cold selector, and front defrost. This selection will heat the contents of the entire cooling system, including the heater core.
-
6
Exit the vehicle and stand near the radiator cap hole on the radiator or reservoir. When the engine is running at a higher temperature, check to see if there are air bubbles exiting the cooling system. The cooling system will replace escaping air bubbles with coolant. Air pockets can add extreme heat pockets to an engine, causing warping or damage to the internal engine components. When there are only a few bubbles coming up per minute, remove the clamp from the hose and let the cooling system operate normally. Do this until the allotted time limit is reached.
-
7
Turn the engine off. Refill the cooling system reservoir to the "FULL" mark, using 50/50 premixed, universal coolant, or the coolant that is recommended by your manufacturer. If you have any questions about what type of coolant to use, contact your local automobile dealership. The dealership service department can tell you the exact coolant to use based upon your vehicle's year, make, and model. Do not guess at the coolant your vehicle uses.
-
8
Replace the radiator cap on the radiator or the coolant reservoir. Remove the drain pan from beneath the vehicle. If you have spilled any coolant into the drain pan, dispose of the coolant at either your local auto parts store or a mechanic's garage. Do not dispose of coolant into a standard trash can or down a drain.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Automobile coolant/antifreeze contains Ethylene Glycol, which is extremely poisonous to both humans and animals. Clean up any spilled coolant immediately by flushing the spill with water. Diluting the spill can help remove the toxicity to the ground water or animals passing by. If you feel nausea or vertigo during this project, stop immediately and seek immediate medical attention.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit containers of anti-freeze and coolant for cars. products image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
