Dekorum

Does any one know any tricks to use to temporarily block the upper radiator inlet so coolant does not leak out of the radiator? Unfortunately I have to remove my radiator fan and the Flex-a-lite bracket is so tight around the upper radiator hose that I need to remove it first. I am trying not to loose all the coolant that will pour out in the minute or two that it takes me to completely remove the fan, before I get the chance to put the upper hose back on the inlet.

Random question but I was wondering if someone ever did this before and had a method. I would rather not drain the whole radiator first and add a ton of coolant afterwards.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Drain coolant into a clean, dry bucket, and re-add it to the system after you've done what you need to do. Regardless, you will lose some coolant, and you will need to top off and bleed/burp the coolant system afterwards.

Dekorum

Well, that is what I did not want to do. I would like to hear an alternative suggestion, haha.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

There is no alternate suggestion. You will introduce air into the system, period. There's no way around it.

Dekorum

I understand that I will have to bleed the system. If I could cap the radiator quickly I would skip a step in this process and not have to drain the entire radiator first. I would also have to refill less = less mess. A plastic pan never pours great.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

That's what they make funnels for. Also, I never said you needed to drain the entire system. You have two options that don't include draining the entire thing. First, drain a little bit of it (enough that the radiator isn't filled past the upper tank), then when you remove the upper radiator hose, have a friend hold it in an elevated position while you do what you need to do with the fan. Water can't travel up-hill. Your second alternate would be to just remove the upper hose and immediately put it into a bucket. Let the coolant drain from the hose and the upper radiator tank, and pray it all goes in the bucket. Hint: It won't.