1996 Mercury Villager--after changing heater core

[Fitztex40]

does the 96 villager have the coolant bleeder valve? if yes where? changed my heater core and can't seem to get all air bubbles out. any suggestions? when sitting temp goes to normal but when going down highway, noticed temp went down to c and stayed there.

[IH8SPM]

I saw your other post and someone mentioned the water pump. If you have 100k on it you should change the water pump and the timing belt and acc belts. It is likely the pump if so. If you have less the 100k same applies. If you have 180k or more the same applies. If you fall in between just look at the pump with a flashight and if you see seepage at the bottom of it its the pump. It is costly and I would recommend the above be done at the same time to save labor. I will look into the bleeder valve but I dont remember if the 96 has one. I sold my 97 and now have 01 so its hard for me to just pop the hood and find it for you. You could always do the old school mechanic way and realease the radiator cap a half turn or so to let out some air out but that is up to you and not safe if it comes off completely you could burned really bad.

[Fitztex40]

Water pump looks good--- no weeping from weep hole. I just can't seem to get all the air trapped out! it is not running hot but staying on the m (which is center) and now the heat is blowing cool air unless go down the highway and heat blows warmer. while just setting in driveway--- cool air is blowing out of vent instead of warm air. what is the problem?

[dzus]

The bleeder port is top center of engine next to the idle air control valve. It's really not a "valve" but a 10mm bolt (plug) that is removed. There is also a coolant air vent at the bottom of the throttle body,it's a 5/16 metal tube with a rubber plug clamped on the end of it.

[Fitztex40]

ok on the 10mm bolt, it says do not remove when warm or hot. so how would i do it cold? i did find the rubber plug. when i sqeeze the heater hose, rad hoses i see the water/green fluid in rad while cap is off going up and down. this is normal right? and does that mean all the air is out of system now?

[dzus]

does that mean all the air is out of system now?...No.
How I bleed coolant system:
1). cold engine-remove top air bleeder,remove rad cap and keep rad full at all times.2).run engine with heater on(front & rear) full hot,continue adding coolant until coolant comes out bleeder.3).stop engine-let cool,install top bleeder and keep rad full.4).remove rubber cap below throttle body and install a clear hose between overfill reservoir and cap end of coolant vent tube.5).run engine,heaters on until no air in clear hose.6).stop engine-let cool,install rubber cap(be quick) keep rad FULL.
It's a long process and sucks!

[Fitztex40]

ok thanks man! will try that------ hope this time works