Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi,

Probably a daft question but here goes...

I have returned my engine into where it belongs. When I refill the radiator do I need to do anything special with the heater? Do I fill the heater matrix first then then add the water into radiator? if I then run the engine how to I stop airlock?

Cheers

rob

Most of the time you don't have to worry about the heater - it will self bleed by running the engine (provided thermostat is on place and not stuck open).
The heater is probably still full - unless you've had the heater out!

Just fill the radiator and top up if the level drops.

Forgot to mention that, yes I took to heater out and cleaned it all out. Does that matter?

Thanks

Rob

Rob
No it doesn't matter.
First priority is to organise the anti freeze ( do search on the forum for recommendations ) and if not buying the ready mix stuff , dilute the "neat " stuff with the relevant amount of water.
Make sure the heater is ON i.e the water supply valve is open , so it can circulate.
Follow Ray's instruction and wait for the water to cool down before opening the radiator cap , so you don't scald yourself. Put more anti freeze / water mix as required.
Bob

No, it does not matter. As above fill the system right up and run it till hot, wait for it to cool and then check the level. Top up if necessary. Don't forget to use anti-freeze, the blue one is best.

I'll be doing the same in a couple of weeks time...when I get the right bearing for my gearbox rebuild! so I was going to ask which anti freeze is the best, I thought it was best to avoid the "blue" type or have I got it the wrong way around?

Definitely the blue type is OK. Don't use the orange or green type.

Thanks for the advice

Same here

good idea to flush the coolant system out with a hose pipe first,flush,flush and flush!until the system is clean.check the condition of the hoses while you are at it.its not advisable to drain the radiator via the drain plug,as they are often seized and can distort or even split the radiator,just undo the bottom hose. pure rain water is better than tap water when refilling i am told.

Yes, that is what I use, rain water with about 50% blue anti-freeze. Add rad flush to the system and run for at least the recommended time as stated on the bottle, more is better. Drain and put it down the sewer as it is caustic. Take the rad off and back flush, then front flush and back flush again till it runs clear. Do the same with the heater matrix but in situ if practical. You will end up with a nice clean coolant system.