Air Pockets in my Engine

[DbIiRrTdY]

Hey,

On New years eve my upper rad hose came loose (not sure how). So I was driving down the 427 going south and see my temp light climbing slowly. I pull off to the side then get towed (on a flat bed home).

Today I had some time so I gathered the parts to fix it. Basically the only thing that was wrong was the hose was un clamped - So I clamped up the hose and filled with antifreeze 50/50 mix. Start the car wait for it to warm up (so the thermostat opens) and sit there with the mix in hand to fill up when necessary.

The bad news is this is not working to well. Engine temp still rises and it seems the air is not really escaping from the open rad cap.

Here is the question - what the hell am i doing wrong and what should I be doing?

Thanks

VS

[R_JAY]

Did you open the vent/bleeder screw while the car warmed up? I hope that's what it's called.

Edit: Here's a pic of the screw

[BMW BMXer]

Ya, you hafta bleed the system. Theres a bleeder screw near the thermostat.

[DbIiRrTdY]

thanks guys i'm going to try this now.

1) next to rad cap
2) on thermostat housing

I will report back with the results

VS

[DbIiRrTdY]

Reporting back!

I was able to find the bleeder screw on the rad - that was pretty easy but not on the thermostat. it looks like i got all of the air out which is good. But I now have a new problem - the cabin is FREEZING.

While I was bleeding the system i was sure to turn on the heating system full blast but it continues to blow out only cold air. This while the car engine is completely warmed up (temp needle is dead center)

Thanks R-Jay and BMW BMxer

VS

[R_JAY]

That was the only bleeder screw that I used when I did my flush. Didn't know there was one on the t-stat housing. I think the E30's are a little different which is why BMXer suggested you to look there. Anyway, mine felt the same way (freezing) until I took it for a ride. Try that but take the screwdriver with you incase the temp starts to rise. That way you can let the air out if there's still any trapped there.

[Slowered318]

you might have an air lock in the heater core..

turn you car on.. turn the heat on full full full, start it up and give all the hoses a good squeezing.. let it warm up and bleed out the screw again.

Go for a little drive, get her nice and warm.. then come home, leave it running and feel the lower rad hose.. it should be luke warm atleast?

the only other thing i can think of is your thermostat is not working properly (stuck open), or the electric valve just before the heater core is not opening (due to bad wireing or it's siezed from the over heating).

the temp guage sometimes goes faulty too.. id also check all the fuses.. cause you never know.

[DbIiRrTdY]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for you help - I was able to finially get heat - Slowered/R-Jay you right - I just need to go for a ride and rid the last few air pockets.

So now that is done I had my car out and took it out on the highway when my alternator gave out - I hear this whining sound alone with the battery light on the dash. I suspect when my upper rad hose came loose it must have spilt all of the coolant on to the alternator so my guess is that my have shortened the life of it.

On to the next fix.

VS

[Jordan]

I have 6 415.6cc air pockets in my engine.

[Slowered318]

Originally Posted by Jordan

I have 6 415.6cc air pockets in my engine.

And one big HOT air pocket in your mouth

[windwagen]

Maybe the belt is slipping due to leftover coolant residue. Is it loose? Alternators can handle some water abuse.

[Cosmic 325i]

i got my alternator rebuilt after it was whining a lot too. i paid $100.00 at Mario's Starter and Alternator on Dixie/401.

[DbIiRrTdY]

Thanks guys, I'm hopefully going to take my car in to charlie tonight and see what he comes up with!

VS