I always add 1 gallon of undiluted antifreeze first, and then  top off with
water.  The ratio ends up just about right.

Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM> on 07/11/2001 09:26:55 AM

Please respond to Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>

To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:    (bcc: Jay L Snyder/AE/DuPont)
Subject:  Re: new engine & bleeding

jim&kim wrote:
> I have installed a new engine in my 83.5 westy and now have to add
> coolant.The system is now totally drained and flushed.  Procedure for
> adding coolant in Bentley has me running the van at 2000 rpm etc..
> etc.. Is there no harm to the engine starting it up dry? Does the
> water pump circulate the coolant so fast as to make my concerns moot?
> I would appreciate any comments that would make me feel more
> comfortable tomorrow when I fire it up. Hope I don't come across as
> completely anal, but I have many hours sunk into this and want to take
> no chances. Thanks very much. Jim
 Pour in as much as you can before you start it.  A reasonable amount
will get into the engine.  Let it idle after you start it and add more
coolant as the level in the pressure tank drops. When the level
stabilizes you can start with the 2000 rpm bit and the radiator bleed
screw, magic incantations, etc.
  You are using long-life phosphate free coolant and distilled water,
right?
Larry A.