I put a new engine in my '90 ford f150 and I'm getting closer to firing it up. But I'm concerned about the cooling system. When you put the radiator and all the hoses on they are dry. When you fill up the radiator how does water get to the water pump? I've always wondered this. And how do you bleed all the air out? Thanks

Tanner

 

What engine do you have ? In most cases I leave a sending unit , thermostat housing , heater hose or something that is at the top of the system open . I then fill until coolant appears . You still will have some air though . A good coolant fill funnel can help . It seals to the radiator and sits high to let air go to the highest point ( in theory ) Do a series of thermal cycles to allow the thermostat to open . Long ... But it works for me .

 

I got a coolant vacuum they are awesome, one of those pricy single purpose tools I thought I was going to use once but know I enjoy doing coolant exchanges hooks up to a compressor and draws a vacuum through the whole system all the hoses collapse then you flick the switch and it draws the coolant through the whole system in seconds - no air bubbles - zero!

What JWC 3 said is also perfect I have gone as far as parking the front wheels on ramps hoping that would help bring air out!

 

Thanks. I have a 5.0.

Tanner

 

Yes the Vac things are pricey . Some makes recommend them . I wish they were around when I was working on rear engine Fiat's and Fieros ....

 

Sounds pretty cool about that vacuum pump thing. How does parking on a hill help remove air? I've always heard this but never understood the purpose.

Tanner

 

Air rises to the highest point in the system .