LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

coolant air pocket?

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Old Mar 25, 2012 | 10:38 AM
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Default coolant air pocket?

I just recently installed a new opti and im having trouble with air pockets. I've done all the usual basic stuff but is there something about lt1's that makes it tougher to bleed. This is my first ltx car so I am new to them. I have no heat and the temp gauge only sometimes goes up, and even the. It never goes higher than 160. Rite now it just sits at a 100.
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Old Mar 25, 2012 | 11:07 AM
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My LT1 has two bleeder screws, but when I had air pockets my temp would spike up... then I'd turn the two screws til I saw coolant and my temp would drop back down to normal.
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Old Mar 25, 2012 | 11:08 AM
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Most of the air is bled out when you fill the system with the bleeder screws open. I rarely have to do anything more than that. If your heater still does not work, it probably needs a flush. You should do this before you fill the system back up.
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Old Mar 25, 2012 | 11:35 AM
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OK i havent used the bleeder screws yet. i have just been filling it and letting it bubble. so how should i bleed it? fill it then put the cap on and pull loosen the screw on the thermostat elbow?
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Old Mar 25, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by jawsgt
OK i havent used the bleeder screws yet. i have just been filling it and letting it bubble. so how should i bleed it? fill it then put the cap on and pull loosen the screw on the thermostat elbow?
Read the link Rob posted.
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Old Mar 25, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by jawsgt
OK i havent used the bleeder screws yet. i have just been filling it and letting it bubble. so how should i bleed it? fill it then put the cap on and pull loosen the screw on the thermostat elbow?
that's why you have air pockets, nothing like the cooling system on these cars.
But in short open both bleeder screws, refill coolant, start and close bleeder screws. Once the car is warmed up you can open the bleeder screws again to make sure only coolant is flowing out. The link shbox provided explains it all in detail.
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Old Sep 28, 2012 | 01:54 PM
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I have a question regarding the bleeder screws and this entire process. I have a Mezier water pump. I am pretty sure there is a pretty big air pocket in there. I don't have a thermostat. Can I just undo the bleeder screws, undo the top radiator hose and pour either water or fluid through that top radiator hose without having to drain the system. I can't get to the drain plugs on the side as they are behind a engine diaper and the headers and it is a pita to get to that. So can I do this the way I just described?
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Old Sep 28, 2012 | 02:02 PM
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You should get a thermostat and follow bleed fill instructions on shbox.com
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Old Sep 28, 2012 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by lt1slowz28
You should get a thermostat and follow bleed fill instructions on shbox.com
This car is strictly a race car, besides the way this water pump fits on the motor plate, I don't think you could get a thermostat on it.
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Old Sep 29, 2012 | 11:54 AM
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Just to let everybody who cares know, it worked. No more air pocket.
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