Just my opinion, but I think he meant 50% TO 70%, with 50-50 mix being ideal for MOST
situations.
I have lost rack of what years we are talking about here, but the thermostat by-pass
valve is on the later years and does just that. It only moves about 90 degrees or so.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben McCafferty" <ben@KBMC.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2002 11:18 AM
Subject: Re: Bleeding the front radiator

> Hmmm....well, I guess the Bentley has got it all wrong then?  Your procedure
> does sound pretty good, but I am at a loss on the "thermostat bypass valve"
> you mention--I assume it's a way to manually open the thermostat?  That
> would be perfect....
> On raising the front, I have always assumed that was to get air bubbles to
> work their way to the bleeder screw.  How does your method take care of
> that?
> I am not suggesting that he add cold water to the warm engine--room
> temperature mixed with coolant, then diluted in the tank, will not cause
> warped heads.
> Isn't 70% coolant WAY too much?  I thought the range was something like
> 45-55%, or maybe 40-60%
> Anyway, I'd like to hear more...
> tx,
> bmc  :)
> "Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."
>
>
> > From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
> > Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
> > Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 12:06:51 -0500
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Bleeding the front radiator
> >
> > NO NO NO! Do not warm up the engine. A warm engine makes the coolant
> > turn to vapor with the coolant system open. This makes bleeding
> > difficult. Also, never add coolant to a hot running engine. Helps make
> > warped heads. Also, there is no need to raise the front. In fact it
> > makes things harder as you have to raise the coolant that much further
> > to bleed the system. Try this procedure.
> >
> > 1) Engine should be dead cold. If not successful bleeding in 10 minutes,
> > Walk away, have lunch, beer etc, come back later.
> >
> > 2) Prepare coolant supply, have ready. Pre-mixing will make it easier to
> > keep proper ratio.
> >
> > 3) Open thermostat bypass valve and valves to both heater cores.
> >
> > 4) Fill main reservoir as much as possible. Allow time for as much
> > coolant to fill into engine as possible.
> >
> > 5) Start engine. Use something to hold engine speed around 2,000 to
> > 2,500 rpm.
> >
> > 6) Open radiator bleeder (partner will help).
> >
> > 7) Continue to fill cooling system while air is being expelled from
> > bleeder and reservoir.
> >
> > 8) When both flow water steadily, close radiator bleeder, then reinstall
> > cooling pressure cap, (It was tested and know to be good?). You can also
> > close the bypass now.
> >
> > 9) Allow engine to return to normal idle speed.
> >
> > 10) Return heater valves to where you want them. Test system. Make sure
> > radiator fan works. Don't forget to top off the expansion tank behind
> > the license plate. Any residual air will eventually work its way out. If
> > not, than you a problem.
> >
> > 11) After van is operated for a while, test coolant concentration to
> > make certain you have the proper mixture, (50-70%).
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> > Of Ben McCafferty
> > Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2002 11:23 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Bleeding the front radiator
> >
> > Raise the front of the van 10cm or 40cm, depending on which version of
> > Bentley you believe, warm up the van until the thermostat opens, hold
> > the
> > engine at 2000 RPM with the pressure cap off, and crack the bleed screw
> > on
> > the radiator.  It's a 13mm on the passenger side, top.  Don't take is
> > all
> > the way out, just loosen it.  Add coolant/water mixture as needed in the
> > tank, and watch the stream coming out of the radiator.  When it runs
> > free of
> > bubbles, you can close the screw.  Make sure to close the pressure cap
> > before you drop the engine below 2000 RPM or it will blow hot coolant
> > everywhere.
> >
> > Some guys do this process several times over a week or so to make sure
> > you
> > get all the bubbles.
> >
> > tx,
> > bmc  :)
> > "Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."
> >
> >
> >> From: Chris Winesette <Chriswinesette@AOL.COM>
> >> Reply-To: Chriswinesette@AOL.COM
> >> Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 10:53:32 EST
> >> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >> Subject: Bleeding the front radiator
> >>
> >> What is the best way to bleed the front radiator?
> >>
> >