Practical Automotive Maintenance: Vacuum Coolant Filler & How To Use It
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Vacuum Coolant Filler & How To Use It
03.12
| 00:00 | For any type of modern car, a vacuum coolant filler is an indispensable tool. |
| 00:04 | Simply because cooling systems in late model vehicles are only getting more and more complex, and that results in more places for air to become trapped. |
| 00:12 | As we touched on briefly in a previous module, a vacuum coolant filler is a specialised tool used to refill a vehicle's cooling system efficiently and without the risk of air pockets. |
| 00:23 | To be clear, specialised doesn't necessarily mean expensive. |
| 00:26 | And spending between $100 to $200 in a parts store is enough to get you something that will do the job perfectly well. |
| 00:33 | This tool operates on the principle of using a vacuum to completely evacuate air from the cooling system, and then using that vacuum to draw coolant into the system from a reservoir, ensuring a complete fill without the inclusion of any air pockets. |
| 00:47 | It works by attaching to the radiator or a coolant reservoir and connecting it to a compressed air supply. |
| 00:53 | The compressed air passes through a venturi valve, creating a vacuum that pulls air and vapours out of the cooling system. |
| 00:59 | Once a sufficient vacuum level is reached, the system is closed, and the system is monitored for a short time to ensure that the vacuum holds. |
| 01:07 | If it does, that indicates that there are no leaks prior to filling the system with the expensive coolant. |
| 01:13 | Then with the vacuum still applied, a hose is submerged into a container of pre-mixed coolant, and another valve is opened. |
| 01:20 | The vacuum draws the coolant into the entire system, filling it completely and evenly without introducing any air. |
| 01:27 | So, let's break down exactly how to use this tool. |
| 01:30 | We begin by ensuring that the engine is completely cool, and then removing the radiator or expansion tank cap. |
| 01:36 | After that, we can connect the tool using the appropriate rubber adapter. |
| 01:40 | Once connected, attach the tool to the compressed air source and start the vacuum process. |
| 01:45 | We need to monitor the gauge to see when the system reaches the proper vacuum level, then shut the valve and let the system sit for 10 to 15 minutes to confirm that it holds the vacuum. |
| 01:55 | Most vacuum coolant filler tools come with a built-in analogue gauge marked in inches of mercury, which is often colour coded to give us a clear indication of where our vacuum needs to be. |
| 02:05 | Once we hit around negative 25 inches of mercury, we close the valve and the gauge should hold steady. |
| 02:11 | If everything looks good and we haven't lost any pressure, it's now time to place a suction hose into our coolant supply and open the valve, allowing the vacuum to pull the coolant into the system. |
| 02:21 | Once the gauge returns back to zero or near zero, we know that the system is full. |
| 02:26 | We can now remove the tool, replace the cap and start the engine to verify everything is in order. |
| 02:31 | A top off may be needed after the engine warms up and cools down again. |
| 02:35 | Let's quickly run over the main points found in this module before moving on. |
| 02:39 | A vacuum coolant filler is an essential tool for modern vehicles as complex cooling systems are prone to air pockets that can lead to overheating. |
| 02:47 | It uses compressed air and a venturi valve to create a vacuum in the system, evacuating air and checking for leaks before drawing coolant in from a reservoir. |
| 02:56 | While being affordable and effective, these tools include a gauge to monitor the vacuum levels. |
| 03:01 | Proper use involves connecting the tool to a cold engine, creating and holding a vacuum and then filling the system completely and evenly without introducing air. |
