bleeding colant on 16v

  1. L-plater Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 76 2002 Saxo VTS
    #1
    Whats the best way to bleed the water colant on the 16v engine? The engine heats up fine on the gauge but i cant get hot air to blow into the car all i get is cold, There is hot water getting to the matrix.
  2. Regular Poster Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 279
    #2
    if there is hot air going to and from the matrix then it doesnt need bleeding
  3. L-plater Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 76 2002 Saxo VTS
    #3
    thers hot water going to it but not through it as the pipes cold coming out. I think the matric maybe stuffed, if i flush it with a hose the water goes round ok. Its not the water pump it had a new one fitted when it had its last full service....
  4. Regular Poster Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 279
    #4
    well prob not the pump then but never know its unlikely but water pump could have broken up i take it the thermostat is opening ok?
  5. Infrequent Poster Joined: Oct 2009 Frinton on Sea, Nr Colchester Posts: 240 2000 Posi VTS
    #5
    There are 3 bleed points on the water system. As you look at the Engine on the top right side of the Radiator there is a 1p size cap with a fin sticking out so you can turn it. The second is towards the top left of the Engine, to the left of the Throttle Body cover (the bit that says 16v on it) and to the right the Suspension Shock top mount. (Its like a valve cap you take off to put air in your Tyres, don't lose it as you will need to get a new one from Citroen, a normal Valve Cap is not strong enough) It should be sticking straight up off a Hose. The third is on the side of the Thermostat, (which is to the left of the Battery) you will need a 6mm Allen Key to turn this. The Bolt is on the Engine side of the Thermostat, kinda straight down. DON'T take the bolt all the way out, it is hollow and has a hole in the side, so when you take it a certain amount out, the trapped air in the system will be released.
    Familliarise yourself with these and how they work with the Engine off and whilst its cold.

    When you're ready, start the car and open each one carefully until water comes out of the one you are working on. Be ready to do it up quick as the water is under pressure and will shoot out all over the engine and you, if you're not fast. Do all three until there is no more hissing sound and all that comes out is water. You may have to go round a few times to get all the air out and also when the Engine has warmed up a bit so the Thermostat has opened, allowing water to get to the Radiator. But BE CAREFULL, the water will be hot and you dont want to burn yourself.

    Just a little tip, have a Towel ready! LOL

    Hope this helps and good luck.
    Si