Table of contents: Filling with coolant (models before…🠇 Filling with coolant (xU engines) 🠇
1. Check the condition and reliability of all cooling system hoses. Check that the drain cock is securely closed and that the heater control is in the HOT position (maximum heating).
2. Slowly pour coolant into the system until its level reaches the radiator filler neck. Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses by hand to remove any air pockets, then continue adding fluid until the level is at least 50 mm from the bottom of the filler neck.
3. Replace and tighten the radiator cap securely. Start the engine and let it run at idle until the coolant warms up. After this, add gas several times until the idle speed rises to high, which will remove any remaining air pockets from the system. Turn off the engine.
4. Carefully remove the radiator cap and add coolant to the previous level (see paragraph 2). Replace the plug.
5. If you have not changed the coolant, remember that by adding water to it, you dilute the antifreeze and weaken its properties. Therefore, it is better to use a ready-made mixture of antifreeze and water for topping up.
6. Start the engine again and inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Filling with coolant (models before 1983.)
1. If you are experiencing air locks when filling the cooling system, you can purchase a connector with a bleed valve that is installed on the small hose that runs from the thermostat housing to the heater return hose. At the same time, you should check that the thermostat has a special pin and that the thermostat can move freely in its socket (see B/Figure 12.13).
2. When filling the system, open the drain valve (if applicable) and pour in liquid until its level is approximately 5 cm below the filler neck (an alternative method for bleeding the system is to temporarily loosen the hose clamp on the thermostat housing). When coolant, free of air bubbles, begins to flow out of the bleed valve or the loosened hose clamp, close the valve or tighten the clamp.
3. Replace the radiator cap, start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature. Turn off the engine, let it cool down and add coolant to the system if necessary.
Filling with coolant (xU engines)
1. Set the heater control to the HOT position (maximum heating), open 2 drain valves (see photos) and remove the plugs from the radiator and expansion tank. Close the drain valve and replace the drain plug. (On models with automatic transmission and on all models produced since 1986, there are three bleed valves - see B/Figure 12.81).
2. Pour coolant into the radiator until it is full and replace the radiator cap. Go to the expansion tank and fill it with liquid until the correct level is reached. Close the drain valves when liquid free of air bubbles begins to flow out of them.
3. Replace the expansion tank cap, start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature (before the cooling fan starts). Let the engine run for another 5 minutes, then turn it off and let it cool for at least 2 hours.
4. Check the fluid level in the expansion tank and top it up if necessary.