How do i fill bleed and test/check my zetec cooling system. I've got the tiger system. Rad, bottom hose with two tee's in, expansion tank and a heater. It's all piped up correctly according to the diagram. How do i know if it works and if there is air in it etc....

I remember my pinto system was terrible to bleed the first time

Thanks
Dan

I just filled mine up, ran it with the cap off for a couple of mins and that was it. Haven't touched it since!
I don't have a heater though - mine is a home designed set up with Polo rad.

Stu

Simple as that? I suppose it should self-bleed with the small pipe on the therm-housing. How long do you run with the cap off? until it bubbles up or when the fan kicks in?

Dan

I did much the same. Designed the system so all parts should be self bleeding. Rad cap off and standing by with the water. As it got hot there were gushes of hot water and air as air locks cleared. Just kept topping up till it stabilised. Assume the fan should kick in and be powerfull enough to prevent actual boiling at tickover with the cap off. No rush to get the cap on again.

Is there any chance of air locks? In the top of the rad for example? Or will the system eventually force the air out as it warms up?


Dan

No need to worry, zetec systems aren't of the pressure type like a pinto. Tank is a header, not an expansion tank so just fill it and forget. I tend to fill the tank just untill the bottom of the outlet is not draining away.

As long as the bypass pipe is plumbed separate to the header tank you can run it with the cap off no problem.

Just fill it up and run it with the cap off until the thermostat opens. Job done.