mattlok

Hello everyone. I recently had a run in with a dog, fox, or some type of smallish mammal. Not really sure what it was, but it did a number on my bumper, and broke the mounting pegs off my radiator. I have since replaced both of them, but my heater is not working exactly as it should. It works 90 percent of the time, but sometimes it just blows cold air. Its during these cold air periods that Ive noticed my temperature gauge climbing a bit more than I feel is normal. I have a feeling that I've got some air bubbles in the cooling system, but Im having trouble locating any kind of bleeder valve/screw. Can anyone clue me in on what the proper procedure for bleeding air out of the cooling system on the VQ35 is? I would be eternally grateful

VandyZ

iTrader: (2)

TIME . . . and there is a bleader screw on one of the hoses to the left (rear)of the plenum close to firewall. You can also take one of the lines off the Throttle body side of the plenum and let the air exit there (THIS IS MESSY).

VandyZ

iTrader: (2)

BTW, it still takes 30 min using the bleeder screw. It is a PITA to get it going good.

350zdanny

At that point you may as well drain the coolant because it's gonna shoot everywhere. I cranked the car up without one of these badboys clamped down before.

Dan

VandyZ

iTrader: (2)

Yes once the air is out coolant will flow out nicely everywhere. This is the highest point so it makes sense to get the air out there, but like I said before its messy! You can use the bleeder screw alot easier but it is still a slow roll.

mattlok

Thank you very much for the replies guys. Should I just have the car idling and periodically crack the valve to hopefully relieve some air? Just wondering what the best technique would be. Should the car be warmed up, or cold when I attempt to purge? Thanks again guys. I really appreciate the help.

350zdanny

I usually warm up the car and let it idle for a bit, then step on the gas a little bit, then let it idle. I'm not sure if I'm going it right, but I never had a problem.

350zdanny

Oh, forgot to tell you, the FSM does list "damaged fins" as a possible cause of decreased cooling capacity. Was there any physical damage to your radiator from the animal you squashed?

mattlok

The radiator is actually a brand new one. The cheap plastic mounts on the old one broke off and I couldnt secure it properly. I figured it would be better to replace the whole unit rather than try to rig something up. The condenser also got tweaked a little bit, but showed no signs of any leaks. Air conditioner seems to be working just fine. I just straightened the slight curve out of the condenser and remounted it to the new radiator. Seems to be working normally. Im going to go look for that valve right now. Thanks very much for the help guys.

VandyZ

iTrader: (2)

Yeah run it let it get warm and then crack the valve and let the air out (a little fluid will come out too). Do this a couple times and turn it off an let it cool abit. Then do it all again. . . .

mattlok

Oh man. Now that I actually see where the valve is, I feel like a moron. hehe. I don't know how the hell I missed that thing. It's huge. Just got 2 very big bubbles out. Still some more in there I can tell, but Im definitely on the right track now. Thanks guys.

JonsilvZ

Damn you must have hit a dog to do that kind of damage. When I hit a rather large raccoon,it cracked the washer resevoir and 2 minor cracks on the bumper.