Questions on Purging Engine and Intercooler Radiators

[ViperJoe]

The upper petcock (bleeder) valves for both the Engine and Intercooler Radiators are located on the top left side behind the cooling fans shields. The petcock for the engine cooling radiator is reasonably accessible, however, the 1/4" hose I attached immediately filled with liquid and I never witnessed air bubbles escaping - this suggested that the method used was inadequate, which is worrisome. Any suggestions here?

The petcock (bleeder) for the Intercooler Radiator is located forward of the Engine Radiator and appears impossible to access. So how does one go about bleeding the Intercooler Radiator if the petcock (bleeder) cannot be accessed? I can hardly see it let alone even get my hand or any tool even remotely close enough to open / close it! HELP!!!!!!!!

One more thing, when I started the engine to fill the engine cooling radiator I discovered yet another failed gauge; my 3rd; add boost to amp and fuel gauge failures. Not a good GT day!

 

[BlackICE]

That bleeder isn't easy to get to, so use the recommend vacuum bleeder/filler tool to refill the systems.

 

[Lorenzo]

This method works very well.
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/s...-is-how-i-lowered-my-coolent-temps&highlight=

 

[fjpikul]

YOu have to "suck" the fluid from the front petcock to the cannister in the rear of the car to make sure there are no remaining air bubbles, similar to what they do for a diesel. It's an easy job if you have the equipment. There are posts here describing it.

 

[Vincent998]

Hi Guys:

I have had a problem with coolant level rising after driving and not falling back to the start point when cold. I bled the radiator using the little petcock on the upper left and was able to get virtually all the air out (the coolant level fell to the right point afterwards), and find that the petcock leaks. Not a lot, but enough to draw air into the system when cooling down resulting in lower pressure in the bottle (and therefore sucking air in past the petcock valve). Has anyone had a leaky petcock before? I have the Ford parts book figure, and it shows the petcock but not as a separate part. I understand there may be an o-ring in the valve, and from past experience it wouldn't surprise me to learn that after 7 years it has failed.

In the mean time I can drive the car if I crack the degas bottle cap after driving it so no vacuum is produced. However, this is not a solution.

Advice? Past experience? Source for new petcock/o-ring?

Thanks!
David

2005 #1638

 

[Fubar]

How about a new system that uses logic to determine coolant flow, and air catch system? Give me some time, I am working on at least one possible solution to some of these questions.

 

[eg1985]

We use the Snap-On RADKITPLUS and it works perfectly everytime; so much so that Ford calls it out specifically by name in the FSM as the preferred method for filling the cooling systems. It makes life easy plus it will show you if a leak is present saving time and lost coolant. :thumbsup

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=643141&group_ID=681175&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Sinovac]

I have the Airlift kit. It is similar to the Snap-on kit eg1985 referenced.

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/AC550000/AIRLIFT-COOLING-SYSTEM-AIR-PURGE/

 

[ViperJoe]

I have the Airlift kit. It is similar to the Snap-on kit eg1985 referenced.

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/AC550000/AIRLIFT-COOLING-SYSTEM-AIR-PURGE/

+1. Works great!

 

[jcthorne]

I also have the Airlift kit and it works very well. So well I may use it on other vehicles.

 

[Nafod]

Available here

http://www.amazon.com/UView-550000-...F8&qid=1348692355&sr=8-1&keywords=airlift+kit

 

[Wwabbit]

Interesting, I bought one of these from Amazon last week for $118 prime delivery, 3 days ago it had gone up to $119, I just followed the above link to see if it was the same one and now its's $120. They are watching us.

 

[Howard]

That's a good price. I just bought one. Maybe it will be $121 tomorrow!

Howard

 

[Sinovac]

Off topic but a useful tip for those with the Airlift-the rubber bushings and conical plug that come with the Airlift kit can be used with the fittings that come with the Miyvac vacuum pump to bleed clutches at the reservoir.