Refilling coolant- technique?

[Johnwindwood]

Guys
Going to drain the coolant on my M44 to change the thermostat. Is there any particular technique for refilling as in other models? Or literally just fill via the expansion tank?
Cheers.

 

[mrscalex]

Well I discovered this tool the other day. It seems a little overkill but it's not expensive and some people do have issues with getting air out.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cooling-System-Filler-UK-SEALEY-STOCKIST/233282443778

This one is £100 but you will find copies with good feedback for £30 ish.

 

[Rudyrov]

I've never had any trouble, it just takes a while.

 

[t-tony]

Patience is the key. Just set the heater on max heat and run engine till stat opens and you get heat in the car.
Check levels after engine is cold.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

I've never used that tool by the way. Never had an issue on an M54 engine although I do always do the heater matrix open trick.

Brake fluid though. Aahh! Haven't got your patience/technique there @t-tony . Pressure bleeder every time.

 

[Stevo7682]

I have emptied coolant on my m43 once and m44 twice ( once for thermostat and pump and second time for cylinder head removal) have not had any major problems refilling.
Technique I employed to fill is fairly simple and has worked fine for me .

Fill coolant till expansion bottle is around max then get a hold of top and bottom radiator hoses squeeze them both in a rhythmic manner top pump water round ( the water will drop in expansion bottle)
Top up and repeat until will take no more ( an indication of this is when you squeeze either main hose water will be pushed into the expansion bottle at the top ( you will be able to see this
Once at that stage warm engine ( heater on full hot blower speed 1. Or 2 ) until cooling fan comes on ( check hoses all heating up and heat from vents )
Once fan on stop engine cool check level top up if necessary job done
Stephen.

 

[Johnwindwood]

Thanks guys. Very helpful.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Raise the front of the car a little, Put it on axle stands or ramps

 

[Mazza]

Bentleys starts the procedure with ‘Raise the front of the car’.

Fill slowly. With bleed valve on radiator open.

Also, when cold, the level in the expansion tank should be about half way. (11th notch down from top)