fuel cooler radiator bleed procedure

STROKER_T · January 27, 2009

Looking for a little help in reference to bleeding the fuel cooler radiator that was just replaced. I somewhat remember that the fuel radiator(the one that bolts to the CAC)has to be tilted flat,and I did try that,only problem is there's not enough room to lay it flat with all the extra goodies on the front of this truck.

Anybody got a quicker way? Posted Image

Keith Browning · January 27, 2009

The service manual tells you to remove the front bumper and hang the cooler straight down.

I found this to be unnecessary if your shop Has a pressurized cooling system flusher like the BG cooling system flusher. I disconnect the coolant hose at the turbocharger actuator and cap the cooler nipple. I connect that hose to the Coolant flusher hose. Then I remove the coolant bleeder plug that is on top of the turbocharger actuator. Fill the flusher with 50/50 mix of coolant and fill the system until the coolant and air come out of the bleeder. There is another topic on this where I mentioned that I put together a firring and hose to put in the bleeder and collect the over flow neatly and to watch the air bubbles.

STROKER_T · January 28, 2009

Thanks for the input Keith...worked like a charm Posted Image

Mikill · January 28, 2009

The first time I actually did remove the bumper after trying to bleed it without removing it. It actually worked. The second time I got a hold of an airlift and I say that is much better for bleeding and refilling.

Keith Browning · January 28, 2009

An air lift actually worked? I'll have to try that, I figured it wouldn't do well because the hoses are at the bottom of the cooler.

BrunoWilimek · January 29, 2009

When I took the 6.4 diesel course, the instructor mentioned using the Radkitplus vacuum bleed tool(drop shipped from Ford for rad bleeding)to suck the air out of the fuel cooler system, and I found it to work well. Is that what you are calling an airlift? Posted Image

Keith Browning · January 29, 2009

Yes, the RADKITPLUSA is an air lift. I just think that the upside down install on the cooler makes it difficult to purge. If you have air in the system the fuel cooler pump will make noise.

Mekanik · January 29, 2009

If you use an airlift do you still need to put the fuel cooler upside down?

Jim Warman · January 30, 2009

I would.... it will help the purge process.

At sea level, a "perfect" vacuum is in the neighbourhood of 30 inches Hg. Even getting this might not guarrantee complete filling of the cooler if left right side up.

fergy12 · January 31, 2009

Ive had success with the RADKIT plus without tilting the rad. Until it stops working i'm going with it. Much easier than removing a bumper and any accesories the lovely rail trucks would have on them.