Cooling system vacuum filler.

[gooseadrian]

Anyone out there use a vacuum tool to refill cooling systems on trucks/cars?

-Adrian

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I have one and they work GREAT especially if you have a vehicle that has lots of air pockets when filled conventionally. Used it on my Dodge Ram diesel worked great, but best was on my Jeep Cherokee that would take days to burp the air out. But I bought mine at the swapmeet for $7.00 but worth the $60 or so they get. Got to be fast to use it may help to have a friend with you, don't want to bleed air in when finishing a bottle of coolant.

 

[Lotek]

I use mine all the time, it's the only way to fill most modern systems without a lot of grief.

 

[Squddle]

Wow! I never heard of these before. I use that big funnel thing that fits over the radiator fill hole and dump the antifreeze into that while the vehicle is running until no more bubbles appear. It takes awhile sometimes depending on the vehicle. I think carlyle makes them.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I use that big funnel thing that fits over the radiator fill hole and dump the antifreeze into that while the vehicle is running until no more bubbles appear. It takes awhile sometimes depending on the vehicle. I think carlyle makes them.

Not as fast as a vacuum fill, but highly recommended.

Lisle 24680 Spill-Free Funnel - Amazon $27

View media item 55245]

 

[TNToy]

The spill-free is a great tool, but as stated it isn't nearly as fast As something that can pull a vacuum on the system and ease coolant into it, in place of the air.

But it's a hell of a lot faster than the "fill it, drive it, fill it, drive it til the heater core gets hot" shade tree method.

 

[gooseadrian]

Has any one used this kit?

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/141812687327

And what kits are you guys using?

-Adrian

 

[MDK22]

I do whenever I can. International brand trucks are all outfitted with a quick disconnect at the bottom and use a cap specific version of the Heavy duty one. I used them all the time as a Big Rig tech for the 2 years I was there. You have to be careful with older vehicles and such. You can actually collapse the the deaeration/surge/overflow tanks or pull o-rings out of place if you apply too much vacuum. Honestly I plan to build my own. International also had a regulated air pressure one with a gauge that you used shop air with. So you can pressurize the cooling system and check for leaks with soapy water.

Airlift Coolant Refiller/Tester

I used them extensively and after doing so I believe that is the only way it should be done. Especially with air pockets that can destroy bunk heaters, egr coolers, etc.

Btw, the Blue-Point versions look almost exactly like the AirLift because they are.

 

[Fedwrench]

The Airlift kits are rebadged for most of the tool trucks and are pretty much what most techs use. shop around for the best deal.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The spill-free is a great tool, but as stated it isn't nearly as fast As something that can pull a vacuum on the system and ease coolant into it, in place of the air.

But it's a hell of a lot faster than the "fill it, drive it, fill it, drive it til the heater core gets hot" shade tree method.

I LOVE Ford's with there "remote coolant reservoir/expansion tank" ! People mistakenly call it a "burp tank", but it NOT ! It is part of the pressurized system. Fill it, idle till warm, FORGET ABOUT IT !