On bleeding the system, first fill the reservoir and replace the cap, then open the bleeder screw (8mm head) on the thermostat housing. Also remove the connector from one of the sensors on the engine side of the thermostat housing, and loosen the sensor until coolant comes from the sensor fitting. This bleeds the head/engine side to eliminate the large air pockets. Retighten the sensor and reconnect its electrical connector.

Start the car and as it is warming, check the temp gauge often, and monitor the bleeder screw. When only coolant comes out, close the screw. It is only snugged up, NOT super tight. After several minutes, crack the bleeder again to make sure that no air has reaccumulated in the cavity. A few days later recheck the bleeder for air, and you're done!

If you take these steps, the car should NOT overheat or be damaged during the process.

Bob

Hopefully someone can help me. My Bentley is in storage at the moment. I posted yesterday about my upper radiator hose explosion and had some questions. Some were answered, some weren't.

1) Do I need to lube, bond, etc., the ends of the hose before replacing it or do the metal bands work well alone?

2) I was told I needed to "bleed" the system of air. How would I accomplish that. If I'm unsuccessful am I going to wreck my engine? I'd like to at least be able to get it 6 miles to the shop!

I am not a real DIY-er, don't have lots of mechanical knowledge, and don't have a huge number of tools, but I'm willing to give it a shot. Can anyone help me out? TIA