The system really needs to be bleed after the radiator empties. If the
system is working and cooling and all else is well it should finish bleeding
itself over time. Most important is that there are no leaks and be sure the
valves in the pressure cap are good. Both the pressure relief and the vacuum
inlet. This needs to be tested.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Bill Shawley
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 8:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: To bleed or not to bleed

So I got busy last week on a "quick" 10 minute job.  I replaced the short
piece of coolant hose (86 2wd Westy, 2.1) that connects that wicked coolant
tower contraption to the long plastic coolant tube that runs to the
radiator.  This is the large diameter hose piece, last year I noticed it was
weeping and double clamped it, just got the replacement this year.  Well it
was a big PIA to replace as I had to disconnect that coolant tower to get
the new piece installed.  I lost about a gallon of coolant.

I filled the main reservoir to the tippy top and filled the overflow (tank
behind license plate) to the tippy top, it took a gallon.  I've had a few
driving cycles and the coolant level is stable and in the appropriate range
on the tank (hot/cold marks).  My temp gauge is reading lower than I'm used
too, BUT I don't normally drive around in 30-40 degree weather, heat is
fine.  Do I need to bleed or are things hunky dory?  I'm worried about some
engine melting air bubble  or something.  If I had ready access to a helper
I would've just bled the damn thing already!

Ryan