Re: Clarification of the Coolant Self Bleeding Kit

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxx>]

My point in saying the bleeder kit isn't required is that on the cars 
I have worked on, once bled they don't need any further attention 
except to watch the level. I also think that adding an overflow bottle 
is a better idea than the bleeder. Eventually any air still in the 
system will be expelled and the cooling system will be air free. Now 
if there are any leaks the coolant in the overflow bottle will be 
drawn in lowering the level in the overflow bottle warning you of 
leaks. IMHO the reason most cars aren't bled properly is that you need 
to bleed the radiator too when initialy filling the system. It is a 
little less convienient than the thermostat housing to do but it 
should be done. All it takes is to loosen the small hose on the top 
right side of the radiator till coolant comes out. 
There are a couple of things I think make for a more reliable cooling 
system. They are
Metal header bottle
Fanzilla (and otterstadt switch and breaker)
Overflow bottle
All metal radiator
This assumes that you have a well maintained, leak free system to 
begin with. Old hoses, fan fail relay or bypass wires, origional 
belts, bad idler pulley bearings, plastic header bottle, and old 
anti-freeze are going to get you into trouble. It is not if but when. 
Sticking the self-bleeder on is not going to help much. The bleeder 
kit itself isn't a bad thing but it can't correct the problems it is 
installed to overcome. If you are having problems bleeding your car 
either you are not doing it correctly or you have coolant leaks.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757 


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Peter Lucas <lucas@xxxx> wrote:
> It seems to me that saying that the self-bleeding kit is a bad idea 
> because it covers up an underlying problem is rather like saying 
that 
> the circuit breaker in the headlight circuit is a bad idea. After 
all, 
> if everything is perfect, you don't really need it...
> 
> The point is that anything that adds to the robustness of a critical 
> system is a Good Thing. But the point that such redundant systems 
> shouldn't be used as a crutch is well-taken.
> 
> --Pete Lucas
> VIN #06703