Coolant change, how do I prevent an air pocket in the system?

RWALBROEHL

MEMBER
2006 TOYOTA COROLLA
1.8L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
76,000 MILES

I want to change my coolant. I was hoping to just drain the radiator and replace coolant in recovery plastic container. My question is, how do I prevent an air pocket in the system as I do not want a shot spot to affect the engine. Should I leave the cap off and run the car while topping it off as it heats up? Thanks
Bob

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

I like to use a jack on the front end to raise it up, then have the radiator cap off and the cooling system almost full, then start the engine, as it heats up it might overflow a little until the thermostat opens. As you see the coolant get hot inside the radiator top the coolant off and then install the cap, make sure the coolant reservoir is about half full. Let us know if you need anything else.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Monday, November 18th, 2024 AT 12:15 PM

RWALBROEHL

MEMBER
84 POSTS

Okay, thanks Ken.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 6:59 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 10:18 AM

RWALBROEHL

MEMBER
84 POSTS

One more thing. My 2006 Toyota Corolla when started idles high like 1,800 RPMs. After about 1 minute or 2 it's down to 1,200 RPMs. I do not like to shift with the RPMs too high as I am afraid of a transmission problem. Once it's totally warmed up 2 miles from the house it's down without the A/C running to like 700 RPMs. I cleaned the MAP sensor with MAP sensor cleaner which was no help. What else can I do. Waste a lot of gas and time waiting for it to idle down. Thanks for the help.
Bob

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, November 21st, 2024 AT 12:36 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Sorry, we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken