Replaced radiator on my 2004 1.6 VTEC I'm having difficulty getting all air out of an M-T cooling system. I filled with coolant into radiator cap and then ditto over flow bottle. Place I bought the radiator said leave cap off radiator start and run keep adding water until T-stat opens, turn to full heat fan off but sounds pretty weird. help please. Bill
Honda-Tech Member
Only thing the shop left out was jack the front of your car as high as you can to help bleed the system of all air bubbles while running engine
The thermostat bleed hole needs to be oriented in the most vertical position to evacuate air from the heater core. If you bought a cheap replacement that doesn't have a bleed hole in it, you will need to jack up the front of the car and race the engine to dislodge the air in the core. With a few rare exceptions, every OE thermostat has an air bleed hole.
I used 4 liters Prestone ready to pour it seemed to work well good tip jack up fron of car thx good idea
My Honda was screwed together in PHilippines no heater as it never gets below 80 degrees. thx for help
Honda-Tech Member
I just remove the radiator cap und open the (if existing) vent screw until clean water without air bubbles is coming out. Pay attention that the heater is on warm and the thermostat is opened. If you fully rebuilt the engine it is recommened that you fill water in manually 'behind' the thermostat, so the thermostat can heat up normally.
