Expert: Kevin - 9/19/2009

Question
What is the proper way to bleed the air out of the engine cooling system for a 1996 Dodge intrepid 3.5 liter engine?

Answer
FILLING COOLING SYSTEM
CAUTION: Do not use well water, or suspected water supply in cooling system. A 50/50 ethylene glycol and distilled water mix is recommended.

Close radiator drain. Hand tighten only.
Install the cylinder block drain plugs
WARNING: WHEN INSTALLING DRAIN HOSE TO AIR BLEED VALVE ON THERMOSTAT HOUSING, ROUTE HOSE AWAY FROM ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT, ACCESSORY DRIVE PULLEYS, AND ELECTRIC COOLING FAN MOTORS.

Attach one end of a 6.35 mm (.250 in.) ID clear hose that is approximately 1200 mm (48 in.) long, to the bleed valve in the thermostat Bleeding Cooling System While Filling With Coolant Route the hose away from the accessory drive belt, drive pulleys and electric cooling fan. Place the other end of hose into a clean container. The hose will prevent coolant from contacting the accessory drive belt when bleeding the system during the refilling operation.
Open bleed valve.
Slowly fill coolant pressure bottle Filling Cooling System until a steady stream of coolant flows from hose attached to the bleed valve.
Gently squeeze upper radiator hose until all air is removed from system.
Close bleed valve and continue filling to the top of the coolant bottle Bleeding Cooling System While Filling With Coolant
Install cap on coolant pressure bottle.
Remove hose from bleed valve
NOTE: Mopar Antifreeze or a ethylene glycol base antifreeze with a silicate inhibitor or their equivalent are recommended for best engine cooling without corrosion. Refer to Coolant Performance in this section for appropriate coolant mixture to use.