VTR Coolant Bleeding - Does the engine have to be running?

1. Edwardo Newbie Joined: Aug 2014 Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 9 Saxo VTR 02 Plate

   #1 20th August 2014, 14:52

   Afternoon all - I've found the 2 excellent threads on here with instructions on how to fill and bleed the cooling system properly - but they differ slightly.
   
   There are 3 bleed points - 1st on the right hand side of the rad, 2nd on Thermostat housing and 3rd valve type bleed on drivers side rear hose.
   
   It makes sense to bleed them in that order too as it goes from lowest to highest - but my question is - Does the engine have to be running/up to temp before you start undoing any of these bleed points???
   
   Or are you supposed to fill and bleed the system without the engine running and then just run the engine to allow the last few bubbles to get out through your 'extended' filler wedged in the rad header tank?
   
   I've flushed the engine/fitted a new thermostat and need to fill it back up tonight. I just wanna make sure I do it right and only have to do it once really, so any help or advice would be gratefully appreciated
   
   Cheers
   Tony
2. chompy Established Member Joined: Jan 2008 Scotland Posts: 1764 Because racecar

   #2 20th August 2014, 15:00

   The thermostat won't open until the engine is up to temperature
3. Edwardo Newbie Joined: Aug 2014 Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 9 Saxo VTR 02 Plate

   #3 20th August 2014, 15:22

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by chompy The thermostat won't open until the engine is up to temperature

   Thanks for the reply Chompy. The fact that there is a bleed point either side of the Thermostat though should cover getting the air out regardless of whether it's open or not though I would have thought?
   
   I think I'm going to fill up with the extended header and bleed it whilst it's cold to get most of the air out. Then let it run and warm up and then go back around the bleed points again in the same order whilst keeping the header topped up. Does this sound like a sensible approach?
   
   Cheers
   Tony
4. chompy Established Member Joined: Jan 2008 Scotland Posts: 1764 Because racecar

   #4 20th August 2014, 15:24

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Edwardo Thanks for the reply Chompy. The fact that there is a bleed point either side of the Thermostat though should cover getting the air out regardless of whether it's open or not though I would have thought? I think I'm going to fill up with the extended header and bleed it whilst it's cold to get most of the air out. Then let it run and warm up and then go back around the bleed points again in the same order whilst keeping the header topped up. Does this sound like a sensible approach? Cheers Tony

   That would work, yes
5. Edwardo Newbie Joined: Aug 2014 Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 9 Saxo VTR 02 Plate

   #5 20th August 2014, 15:35

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by chompy That would work, yes

   Awesome - Many thanks for the help