Hi Eric,

Maybe you want to break that old plastic bleeder valve - and then replace
it with either a plastic one or better yet an aluminum one from GW - that
is if I am talking about the same part?  Better to repair it on your terms
in a controlled environment than being stuck somewhere on the road.

I bought a 2006 Mazda 6 Station Wagon a few years back and was checking
hoses and other things when a plastic coolant part with hose attached
virtually folded in my hand - it was so soft and gummy.  Although at the
time it was a little bit of a PITA - as my afternoon became extended by a
few hours of part searching and pick-up, I was pretty damn thankful that I
found that little booby trap.

Bruce

Note to everyone - this was not a coolant issue involving a Vanagon - there
are not too many times you can say that!

On Tue, Feb 14, 2023 at 5:43 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi Dennis and list,
>
> For bleeder are we talking about the small bleeder in the engine
> compartment where two large hoses go off left and right and there is one
> small hose?
>
> I’m wanting to avoid that darn thing as gentle efforts to open it are not
> working and I don’t want to break the darn thing.
>  Is this bleeder needed to do the job?  And if absolutely needed any tips
> on how to gently release that old plastic?
>
>
> Thanks for the amounts.  I was afraid it was even more coolant then that.
>
> Eric
> Eric
>
>
> > On Feb 14, 2023, at 7:57 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > Unfortunately VW didn't provide for an easy way to change the coolant.
> With the van up in the air your wont get it all to drain, the engine will
> somewhat stay filled. Since you are doing this driveway style, after
> getting the front raised removing the tire tray will make access a lot of
> easier. Disconnect the hoses where they meet the pipes first. Removing the
> right side lower radiator bracket will make those hoses easier to change.
> For filling the system put the front end down. Fill in the back. Open the
> radiator bleed and gently using compressed air you pus the coolant up into
> the radiator. Get a helper. Air, close bleed, refill pressure tank, open
> bleed and do until you get coolant coming out of the bleeder. Then open
> thermostat bypass. Open heater valves start engine and hold about 1,800 to
> 2,000 rpm.  Have someone open and watch bleeder while coolant being poured
> into pressure tank. After coolant flows from bleeder, close it, top of
> tank, replace pressure cap, now you can let engine idle. Top off expansion
> tank. It is important to get these steps done before engine significantly
> warms up. Once hot the vapor pressure adds to the difficulty. After all
> secure, rev engine a bit. Check that heaters have heat and that coolant
> flows to radiator as thermostat opens. Once radiator fan cycles turn engine
> off.  As system cools some coolant will get pulled in from tank. After a
> few cycles you should be good. For complete fill including a dry engine the
> system takes almost 5 gallons. For what you are doing 2 to 3 should do it.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
> Eric Caron
> > Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 5:52 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Coolant change questions
> >
> > Help needed.
> >
> > I need to change the two coolant hoses from radiator to metal pipes.
> >
> > I have new hoses and spring clamps.
> >
> > I expect just about all the coolant to come out.
> >
> > So,
> >
> > How much coolant is in their and how much do I need to purchase to have
> on hand to refill?
> >
> > Any tips on draining?
> >
> > Any tips on filling and bleeding?
> >
> > This is a 1.9 system.
> >
> > I might as well drain and start over with clean coolant.
> >
> > I plan to use the final Charge that Dennis has recommended in the past.
> >
> > All tips and directions are greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Eric Caron
> > 84 Westfalia
>