Coolant draining question

[georgeramos]

Figured out how to drain the engine... now to understand the failure of the cooling system.

[GeorgeT]

The biggest problem is the head is higher than the radiator resulting in an air lock if not filled correctly.

[V12StealthHunter]

The 124 spider isn't the only car in the world with this layout.

If you don't want to install some ghastly $10 plastic T on your engine, drive the front of the car onto ramps and then bleed the system. This will ensure the radiator is the highest point in the system.

[4uall]

Not trying to start any crap however, I have never elevated my car nor put in any adapter and by following the directions below have had zero issues with filling the coolant

2nd image in thread

http://wwwe.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopi ... verheating

[RRoller123]

I follow that procedure too, and it works fine. I do raise the front a bit, just because it is trivial to do and helps a lot. Just remember to fill the throttle plate heater hoses, and to have the heater controls ON.

[bradartigue]

Ah the value of the shop manual! The key stop has always been to open that brass bolt if you ask me. The plastic T makes things convenient but most of the water held in the head is below the level of that brass bolt.

[georgeramos]

Is that page from a shop manual of a later car that a 71? I cant figure out what Im looking at in those pics so maybe its just different than my car?

Thanks

[aj81spider]

That's a page from the shop manual that covers 1975 on. The picture is of a fuel injected engine (so 1980 or later).

[georgeramos]

thanks AJ

[80spiddy]

Mine doesn't have that bleeder plug in the housing. I'm ready to fill and do mine and put that housing on. I should've drilled and tapped it had I known it makes life easier to bleed the system.

[2ndwind]

I've lost count of the number of times I've drained and refilled my system. I have tried all the recommended ways but the most reliable for me is jacking the front up so the radiator cap is higher than any other part of the engine and fill 'er up. Not so hard and always works.

[DieselSpider]

I have used a white vinegar flush on various vehicles to clean things out and at times will use a shop vac to assist with evacuating the old coolant and speed up the flushing process using a few gallons of distilled water to flush out the vinegar afterwards.

Engine Ice is becoming my coolant of choice and will go in to the Diesel Fiat when I flush it.

[wetminkey]

I also follow the shop manual procedure and have never had a problem.
What I am having a problem with is replacing my banged up brass bleed plug. Does anyone know where one of those can be found?
Thank you very much,
Todd.

[4uall]

this might help

http://www.autoricambi.us/product/CO0-0 ... tlet-Plug/

[wetminkey]

I should've just PM'ed you in the first place 4uall! But it's good that everyone else will see this here,...
Thanks, as always!
Todd.