No, I always bleed without a helper, it's not a problem.

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan Streib" <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 9:10 AM
Subject: Re: Removing radiator bleeder screw

> "mdrillock" <mdrillock@cox.net> said:
>
>> You don't need to remove the bolt to get the air out. Once the engine is
>> running and warmed up the coolant expands and pressure builds in the
>> system with the cap relief valve set at about 15 psi.  If you then
>> loosen the radiator bleed bolt a turn the pressure in the system will
>> release out of the radiator bleed hole, pushing out air if any is there
>> or coolant if not.
>
> That makes sense; I'll give it a try.  The problem is doesn't that
> require a person at each end of the van, one to operate the bleed screw
> and one to keep the reservoir from getting empty?
>
> Allan
> --
> 1991 Vanagon GL