So I got the heater installed last weekend.
Of course like a dummy I don’t have and blue Honda smurf juice on hand and nearest source is 60 mi away. I installed the heater any way thinking I won’t spill that much...yeah right.
Long story short, tonight I stupidly think I can start it up and the air will work it’s way out as the radiator and overflow tank are still full. I get the ole girl warmed up and sure enough the temp light comes on. Check radiator temp and it’s ice cold. Then like a dummy I think I can just gently crack the radiator cap and attempt to relieve the air in the system.
Due to the cap being recessed I apply too much torque and boom, smurf juice 6’ fountain!
Luckily I was wearing my winter jacket and gloves and hat.
Maybe I should have read that cap warning closer....
I've seen a lot of posts with folks dealing with the issue of purging the air from the cooling system. This is the easiest way I've seen.
I got the SATV heater and the kit comes with some pinch pliers for the radiator inlet hose. Instructions are to just pinch the inlet hose and it will bleed the air to the radiator through the system. I didn't believe it so called and talked to a tech and he assured me it would work. He was right!
Here's the steps:
- Fill coolant level to manufacturers recommended setting.
- Start machine and run at 3000 RPM until engine is hot.
- Use provided Hose Pliers and pinch off Inlet Hose as shown below.
(see pic)
- Remove Hose Pliers after Radiator Fan turns ON.
- After Radiator Fan turns OFF, pinch Inlet Hose again and remove after Radiator Fan turns ON.
- Turn machine off and let engine completely cool; may take several hours.
- Check Coolant Level in Radiator and Resevoir; adjust as needed.
- Start machine and repeat “pinch” steps again.