Can't get air out of coolant system- help?

[minig646]

Hey guys, I'm in the process of attempting my first coolant system flush. Problem is, I can't even get a gallon in there before it comes overflowing out of the radiator cap.

When I squeeze the radiator hose, a few bubbles come out. So I assume this means I have about a gallon of air in my system.

Anyone know the best way to get it out?

[ThurzNite]

Maybe it wasn't completely drained in the first place?
Year and engine?
Dr J

[minig646]

1999 V6.

I drained it until water stopped coming out of the radiator drain.

I found the block drain. That plus the radiator drain should completely empty it?

[ThurzNite]

Cool. I'm trying to find the image of the petcock for you. It's on the block, hard to describe.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1251&start=0
Dr J

[SleeperSolara]

Once you have the whole radiator system drained, you filled it up wit coolant, you need to turn the car on wit the heater on full blast, and the radiator system will bleed itself out, but you need to watch the coolant at the radiator cap to keep it topped off.

[minig646]

I think there was still water in the block. I drained it and voila. I didn't want to use the block drain too, but I guess you can't always use shortcuts.

[ThurzNite]

When you're done, remember to pick up a coolant/antifreeze tester to make sure it's 50/50. It's a $5 tool.
Dr J

[minig646]

It held 2 gallons of water but it only holds 1.5 gallons of the mixture. Stubborn thing just won't burp.

[ThurzNite]

I forgot where I read the capacity specification, but it said 1gal of straight coolant and the rest was water. It's because of this I used the coolant tester to be sure of the concentration.

If you're concerned, just drain and refill again at your next oil change.

Dr J