bleeding coolant

[Shaggy67RS]

I've recently drained the coolant in order to replace all of my radiator and heater hoses with CoolFlex stuff. I've got everything routed and tightened down, but one thing that is a bit different about my car is there is no bleeder valve on the upper heater hose coming from the water pump (been like that since I bought it). It's an engine swap, so some stuff isn't exactly stock.

The only bleeder I've got is the one on the radiator hose where it connects to the thermostat. I'm planning on raising up the front end of the car when I fill/bleed the system since I've heard that helps, but does anyone have any suggestions/tips before I start? Do you think not having a bleeder on the heater hose is going to be a big problem? I've got the shbox.com site bookmarked, and will follow that procedure as closely as I can, considering that some of the stuff on my car is a little unique.

I'm hoping that when I start it up, the coolant flow will be enough to flush any air pockets in the heater hose.

I've got shutoff valves on both heater hoses, do you think it would work better to initially have them opened or closed while I refill/bleed the system? I'm thinking open, but I'm not sure.

[Fixxer99TA]

I think you will be fine. Just get it to where it warms up without overheating, and then take it for a nice cruise to get the rest of the pockets out. Obviously pay close attention to your gauge.

When you get home open the bleeder again and fill if the level has gone down. Continue until it doesnt drop anymore :D

[IronOutlaw]

It took me about 45 minutes to bleed my system the other day when i knocked off the low coolant sensor with my battery. I only used the top bleeder and would crank the car for about 30 seconds and shut it off, then open the bleeder and let the coolent go down until it stopped. Then i did wut fixxer said and drove it a short distance to let the air pockets bubble out.

[JoeliusZ28]

Ive filled my radiator up in the past without bleeding it at all - 0 air pockets...but I had my EWP running while i did it.

[Fixxer99TA]

Ive filled my radiator up in the past without bleeding it at all - 0 air pockets...but I had my EWP running while i did it.

This is also a great way to do it, if you have an E WP :D

Gotta get that coolant circulating somehow...

[Tyler Wheat]

I think you will be fine and bleed the system with the shutoffs open. You sound like you have a pretty good idea of what to expect. I doubt you have any problems.

[Shaggy67RS]

Thanks guys. Sounds like I was on the right track, just wanted to make sure. ;)