replace radiator and refill coolant without specialist tools?

[aussie_vrs_owner]

Hi,

I have a slow leaking radiator and I'm planning to replace it myself if I don't need to buy any specialist tools. I've searched but not been able to find anyone's experiences replacing the radiator on Octavia mk3 VRS (2.0 TFSI). 

 

Having read the workshop manual, it says to refill the coolant requires a vacuum pump to remove any airlocks - has anyone tried just squeezing hoses and putting the heater on to try to clear the air?

 

Other than that, the job looks pretty straightforward... keen to know from those who've done it before. Also- did you need to remove the front bumper, or are there ways to avoid doing that?

 

Thanks!

 

[TheClient]

9 minutes ago, aussie_vrs_owner said:

Hi,

I have a slow leaking radiator and I'm planning to replace it myself if I don't need to buy any specialist tools. I've searched but not been able to find anyone's experiences replacing the radiator on Octavia mk3 VRS (2.0 TFSI). 

 

Having read the workshop manual, it says to refill the coolant requires a vacuum pump to remove any airlocks - has anyone tried just squeezing hoses and putting the heater on to try to clear the air?

 

Other than that, the job looks pretty straightforward... keen to know from those who've done it before. Also- did you need to remove the front bumper, or are there ways to avoid doing that?

 

Thanks!

 

Not done the rad but have done the thermostat module and waterpump where the rad hoses lead back to without a vacuum fill.

 

I prefilled the rad as much as I could through the upper rad inlet. And preprimed the water pump by filling down the other end of that rad pipe. Reconnected the piping. 

 

Then start car and wait, then top up several times through header tank once the thermostat starts opening.

 

I think if too much air gets in and circulated around the system it just won't circulate properly and the air will be impossible to displace without vacuum.. 

 

Good luck with it. 

[aussie_vrs_owner]

Thanks, sounds feasible then but still a bit risky without the vac pump. I hope some more people jump in to confirm they managed it fine..

[TheClient]

10 hours ago, aussie_vrs_owner said:

Thanks, sounds feasible then but still a bit risky without the vac pump. I hope some more people jump in to confirm they managed it fine..

The radiator was effectively emptied when I did my job as both hoses have to be removed.

 

But there is a risk of an airlock for sure when refilling, which is why I aimed to fill up as much as possible directly before connecting top hose.

 

If you do diy - you will need one or two radiator hose picks. I could not have done the job without them. The spring clamps mould edit. fuse the rubber hose onto the connectors and your very likely to break plastic unions trying to get the hose off without them. 

Edited 14 December, 2023 by TheClient

[Cactusjack]

You don't have to vacuum fill, however it makes it so much easier! Without it, you'll be chasing air out the system for a while, but might get lucky... All depends if you don't mind spending the time doing that!

 

There are circuit bleed options on VCDS however that can help move any trapped air along.

[aussie_vrs_owner]

Thanks Cactus and Client, I'll be giving it a go in a few weeks time

[9fingers]

Where does the vacuum pump connect. Ive got an old laboratory vac pump i could use but need to make up some sort of adaptor to connect it. 
just remember ive got one of those oil change vac pumps that might be better to try.

thanks

Bob

[Cactusjack]

You get a special cap for the reservoir with quick release fitting on the top. The vacuum fill kits come with various caps for most cars.

[9fingers]

Thanks for the info.

I might look out for a spare cap or put a schrader valve in my cap and just take out the valve core when I want to vac it out.

 

Bob