rich Posted January 2, 2015 Posted January 2, 2015 My 1999 Zetec started running hot last summer. Not in the red zone but very close. I had replaced the thermostat earlier and was concerned there might be air trapped in the system. I drained the system and bought an Airlift tool to help in replacing the coolant. The instructions say to bring the vacuum to 24-26 pounds monitor for leaks and open the valve to draw the new coolant into the system. It worked really well in filling the system. However, I soon noticed that the 26 pounds of vacuum had compressed both the bottom and top tanks of the radiator. I thought maybe the concave top and bottom were like that before I started - maybe up to 1/4" compression but the cracked paint proved that to not be the case. Still running hot, maybe it's just the sensor. The radiator has developed a drip-an-hour leak. The leak can be repaired, not sure about repairing the concave tanks. Anyone know the best source for a new radiator?
Paul Hill Posted January 2, 2015 Posted January 2, 2015 No scientific data but that sure seems like a lot of vacuum.
scannon Posted January 2, 2015 Posted January 2, 2015 I think he means inches (of mercury) of vacuum which is enough to do damage. I'm not surprised an aluminum tank collapsed a bit. I'd never heard of using vacuum to fill a cooling system until now.
Off Road SHO Posted January 2, 2015 Posted January 2, 2015 Use compressed air to pop them back out a bit, but if it's creased from the vacuum, you'll never get them all the way out. Using rarified air is a common way to reduce the amount of air in your system when you don't have a vent tank or highest point fill tube. Does seem a little high though. 15" of vacuum should have been plenty. Tom
rich Posted January 2, 2015 Author Posted January 2, 2015 Yes Skip, thanks for the help. It should have read inches. I've attached a picture of the Airlift tool for reference.
scannon Posted January 2, 2015 Posted January 2, 2015 Rich, I like the look of that hose tool to the left of the box. I have several but not one with the reverse hook. Is it a SnapOn item?
rich Posted January 2, 2015 Author Posted January 2, 2015 Skip, When I ordered the Airlift from Amazon the Hose Removal Tool popped up as something I might want to order at the same time. It's part # is OTC 4521. If my Google search is correct, Sears sells them too. Rich
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