coolant change procedure

[torque2burn]

got a 95 Beretta Z26 with a 3.1, need to know the proper coolant change procedure to insure air is out of system. just put new water pump impeller in & very concerned about making sure i do this right to avoid air pockets. never worked with this system before

[jsgold]

I am not sure if your engine is set up the same as the other 3.1's I have worked with but hopefully it is. Would recommend sqeezing the top hose repeatedly to force air into radiator, and, if yours has it, loosen the small fitting on the front left side of motor. On many 3.1's there is a black metal line that is in front of motor and it connects on the left side with two bolts. There should be a small fitting at the top of this and it will let air escape when purging. Either way I would fill up the radiator and let it idle. Loosen the fitting I described until fluid starts leaking. Then tighten just enough to stop the leaking. Do this 3-4 times. Then, while idleing squeeze the top hose several times to force air back into radiator. Watch the fluid level. When enough air is purged you will have to refill. Run for a while, let cool, and then top off again. Would check again in a day or two as air will continue to be expelled. Short of some kind of purge vacuum I do not know any better way. This worked well on my 91 Corsica, and son's old 94 Beretta. Of course it was not same model as yours so I just do not know if yours is set up the same....If someone has a better way please speak up.

[joey71]

Originally Posted by torque2burn

got a 95 Beretta Z26 with a 3.1, need to know the proper coolant change procedure to insure air is out of system. just put new water pump impeller in & very concerned about making sure i do this right to avoid air pockets. never worked with this system before

Isnt there a bleeder scre on top of your gooseneck (where the thermostat is) I just had my radiator replaced and sat there watched the guy do it and that is what he did to get the air out.