1989 240 GL radiator hose Topic is solved

plusnone · Post by **plusnone** » 04 Jan 2005, 19:36

Hi-
I'm new to working on Volvos, and to cars in general, and need to know what the procedure is to replace a radiator hose. The lower hose, connecting the bottom of the radiator to the engine block (cooling system) sprung a leak. I know how to drain the radiator and replace the hose, but after I do that, do I need to bleed the radiator? I was told to do this on my old BMW 325, but I haven't been able to find anything on the subject for Volvos. If all I have to do is fill it up with coolant & water, please let me know...

Thanks,
plusnone

arete · Post by **arete** » 04 Jan 2005, 20:25

Just treat it like you would any other car. It is just straight foreward. No bleeding necessary.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 04 Jan 2005, 22:20

Thanks for your response, I'll do as you said. Is it necessary to bleed the radiator on many cars, that you know of? As I mentioned, my '87 BMW 325 had a valve on the thermometer that was used to get rid of air bubbles; was I misinformed, or is that simply a BMW trait?

arete · Post by **arete** » 04 Jan 2005, 23:07

I have had a Saab, Peugot, Volvo and american cars and never bled a rad.

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 06 Jan 2005, 19:39

Although no bleeding is needed I recommend running the engine up to operating temperature leaving the resevour cap off. This will NOT allow the system to pressurize and allow any air trapped in the system to easily circulate and purge out. Don't drive the car with the cap off just let it run at an idle or fast idle until the thermostat cycles a couple of times

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 07 Jan 2005, 06:14

My solution is to press the upper radiator hose rapidly with my hands so it is getting compressed. It is rather soft and long, so it is no problem. The system is "breathing", and you can acually see how air is coming out in the resevoir. It is even more effective if you by a clamp close the thin upper (breathing-)hose connected to the resevoir. I use to do first without running the engine while filling the system with coolant + water and continue to do it also with running warm engine. I do it normally 10 + 10 times. In this way you get out all the air.