Forum:
I have just changed all the belts and fitted a recored radiator to my Sportrak.
After filling the cooling system I find that I have little or no heat through the heater and the temp gauge hardly moves.
I am sure that I have not bled the system properly so my question is how do I do this?
Also could somebody tell me the procedure for changing the thermostat
ps A little bit of knowledge .......
Thanks for the help and yes I am buying a workshop manual.
Bleeding and thermostats.
No bleeding is necessary.
1. Fill the radiator and fit cap
2. Start engine and run until the top hose gets hot, indicating the thermostat is open. Open the heater valves until heat escapes from the heater vents.
3. Switch off and let the engine go cold.
4. Top up the radiator and reservoir levels.
Job done.
I suspect the draining has caused the thermostat to die. Probably dead in the fully open position so that the coolant is not getting up to temperature. Next job is to change the thermostat. Unfortunately you must start by draining the coolant .... unscrew the drain tap on the btm of the radiator and drain into a bucket if retaining the coolant.
1. The job is easier to access if you remove the alternator and its ancillary bits. No doubt you have already adjusted the alternator and water pump so removing the alternator/adjuster will be no problem. [note there is a locking bolt in the half-moon ... many are missing having shaken loose.
2. The thermostat housing is behind the adjuster of the alternator. Follow the hose and the housing is seen central the left side of the engine.
3. There are 3 bolts to unscrew. They are torqued to only 5 lbft so unscrewing is easy. The difficult bit is reaching the distant third bolt. Dont loose the bolts! Unscrew each a little in sequence until bolts are removed.
4. The housing is pulled away from the engine and the thermostat lifted away.
5. Note the shape of the thermostst. Its unlike most thermostats. You must get an identical type from a diy motor shop : no problem and about £18.00 They come with a new gasket.
6. Fit the new thermostat with the toggle uppermost. This is essential or an air lock will be created at the thermostat. Use a light coat of WATER GASKET SEALANT onto the housing gasket and joint. Dont fail to use sealant or coolant will leak out.
7. CAREFULLY tighten in turn each bolt. The torque MUST NOT EXCEED 5 lbft. Too tight and the bolts snap off or the thread strip ..... if the do you are in a right mess!
8. Replace alternator etc.
9. Refill the rad as above.
The temp gauge should read just under half heat.
Heated
In addition to Mace's excellent description, ensure the heater control valve on the dash is OPEN, many people forget to do this, this causes an airlock in the system, and when it is opened the water from the cooling system rushes in leaving the cooling system short.
I always add the anti freeze first, then top up with water slowly, pause every now and again to let the water settle and find its own level. Massage the bottom hose gently by squeezing, this agitates any air to the top of the system. In addition, when refilling it is helpful if the front of the vehicle is slightly higher than the rear.