Problem burping your cooling system? Watch this...

[moss1972]

Hey Gang,

(CORRECTION!!!! IN THE VIDEO I GOT DIRECTION OF FLOW REVERSED. Though it does not change any of the theory or practical application is important to be accurate. Coolant comes out of the TOP of the block then down to the Tstat into the lower block.)

While I replaced my heat control valve I decided I would change out a few hoses that were half-arsed. I figured, 'why not replace some coolant'. So that led me into the brave (or foolish) world of bleeding these darn cooling systems. A job that has more sworn by methods than there are religions. Though none are wrong if they get you where you wanna go - some are easier than others. After all these cars are supposed to be fun.

If you ever messed with your cooling system and though afterwards 'oh crap my thermostat and fan won't work now' then you gotta see this!

We took the time to figure out what the common problem is and how to EASILY and SIMPLY just...make it work. This is a good video for sharing my tips in a way to give back to the community for all YOUR helpful posts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZtNwm94EbQ

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Steve, thanks, and here's another YouTube video that explains the coolant flow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5Xnrfjc9qU

One additional trick that I've used: After refilling the cooling system, I let the car warm up with the radiator cap removed. Seems to help with getting rid of air pockets, and when the coolant heats up and expands to the point of reaching the lip of the radiator cap, I turn the engine off, let it cool down, top off the coolant, and put the radiator cap back on.

-Bryan

[moss1972]

Hey Gang,

While I replaced my heat control valve I decided I would change out a few hoses that were half-arsed. I figured, 'why not replace some coolant'. So that led me into the brave (or foolish) world of bleeding these darn cooling systems. A job that has more sworn by methods than there are religions. Though none are wrong if they get you where you wanna go - some are easier than others. After all these cars are supposed to be fun.

If you ever messed with your cooling system and though afterwards 'oh crap my thermostat and fan won't work now' then you gotta see this!

We took the time to figure out what the common problem is and how to EASILY and SIMPLY just...make it work. This is a good video for sharing my tips in a way to give back to the community for all YOUR helpful posts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZtNwm94EbQ

CORRECTION....I have coolant flow REVERSED. It does not change the overall effect much but is important to be accurate!

Thank you everyone!

[moss1972]

Steve, thanks, and here's another YouTube video that explains the coolant flow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5Xnrfjc9qU

One additional trick that I've used: After refilling the cooling system, I let the car warm up with the radiator cap removed. Seems to help with getting rid of air pockets, and when the coolant heats up and expands to the point of reaching the lip of the radiator cap, I turn the engine off, let it cool down, top off the coolant, and put the radiator cap back on.

-Bryan

Thanks Bryan loving all this info.

You’ve been successful with this method to never have to mess with the lower hose? That would be sweet. Reminds me of how I used to do my 78 Thunderbird.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

My '69 spider has the standard-type thermostat in the housing at the front top of the cylinder head, and only 2 hoses (upper radiator to this housing and lower radiator to the water pump). Much simpler and easier.

My '71 has the same arrangement as yours, but I don't recall having any particular problems with it. Perhaps the thermostat (original I believe) doesn't close all the way so air pockets aren't an issue.

Not that I would recommend this, but I have heard of people removing the innards of the three neck external thermostat and putting a standard thermostat in that top cylinder head housing. I suppose it would work, but might take longer for the car to come up to temp.

-Bryan

[wetminkey]

Just FYI, this is from the Fiat Shop Manual:

I sure hope that helps!
Todd.