When I changed the rear heater core in my '85 I used the flat metal
pieces from a gear puller on both sides of each hose clamped down with
small C-clamps.  That way I lost very little coolant and didn't make a
big mess.

After I connected the hoses to the new core and released the C-clamps, I
slightly opened the bleeder on the rear heater valve which allowed the
core to fill.

I didn't have to bleed the system after.  I only had to add a small bit
to the expansion tank.

Basically ... just do whatever works.

Mike

Jamie McMahon wrote:
> I am going to be changeing the leaking rear heater core in my 87 Vanagon GL. What I need is some tips on doing it correctly. I have checked the archive and did not find much info. Do I need to bleed the entire cooling  system after I do it? or can I just bleed it at the core? If someone could point me in the right direction it would help me greatly. The concept of coolant in my bus is a new thing for me. I am new to the list and this is my first Vanagon.
>
> Thanks, Jamie
> 87 Vanagon GL (Boo Boo)
> 73 Westy (Pumpkin)
>