Bleed Cooling System

Ccporsche · 12-31-2013, 02:36 PM

I just bought my 1979 930 a little over a week ago and I can say with confidence that I have never been happier. I smile every time I look at her. She's perfect.
However, there is one thing that gave me quite a scare. I was driving yesterday and I heard a sound like fluid running along on the passenger side of the car. I got out, looked for leaks, but there was nothing.
After some investigation I'm pretty sure that there is some air bubbles in the cooling system and it needs to be bled.
Has anyone every done this before? I need a newbie guide on how its done.

Thanks

Ronnie's.930 · 12-31-2013, 02:48 PM

The sound you heard is 100% normal and takes place when the oil thermostat in the right rear fender opens and allows oil to head toward the oil cooler in the front, right fender.

There is always a lot of air in the oiling system as it is not closed to atmosphere - no way around that and it is not a problem.

Ccporsche · 12-31-2013, 02:57 PM

Thanks Ronnie. I really appreciate your knowledge and putting my worries to rest.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Must admit I actually like hearing that sound at a stoplight. Reminds me how the car is alive!

mark houghton · 05:56 PM

For a minute there I thought you were going to ask about how to drain the coolant and what type of antifreeze to use.

I remember hearing that sound the first time I drove mine; thought I had a bad cam chain tensioner (my mind always assumes the worse). Now, I don't even pay attention to it.

OK, the free comments are over. Where-oh-where are the obligatory picts? Lurking for one week, waiting to spring the good news of your new toy.....unexcuseable.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark houghton

For a minute there I thought you were going to ask about how to drain the coolant and what type of antifreeze to use.

Pshht. Do a search, man!

DSPTurtle · 12-31-2013, 06:36 PM

Quote:

For a minute there I thought you were going to ask about how to drain the coolant and what type of antifreeze to use.

Don't use Prestone. It eats aluminum.

Groovie Ghoulie · Groovie Ghoulie's Garage

Wait, so your saying I am not supposed to be pouring prestone pre-blend into that hole with the yellow cap in the back?

That sure explains a lot.

911nut · 911nut's Garage

Man, tough crowd

Apparently none of you guys ever felt that wave of panic come over you when, as a new owner, you think there's something seriously wrong with your car

DSPTurtle · 01-01-2014, 06:51 AM

I'm an old owner and I get that feeling all the time.

Quote:

Man, tough crowd

Apparently none of you guys ever felt that wave of panic come over you when, as a new owner, you think there's something seriously wrong with your car

mark houghton · 01-01-2014, 11:41 AM

Nah, just having fun. My fault for bringing up the thoughts on antifreeze. To the original posters credit, in these air cooled cars oil is actually more than just a lubricant and does indeed serve as a coolant of sorts.

We would still love to see some picts of your new ride, though!

911nut · 911nut's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by dspturtle

i'm an old owner and i get that feeling all the time.

+1

timc · 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSPTurtle

Don't use Prestone. It eats aluminum.

I started using the BMW "Blue" coolant, car runs much cooler now...

You may notice when bleeding the cooling system that OEM coolant looks just like motor oil :-)

timc · 01-02-2014, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911nut

Man, tough crowd

Apparently none of you guys ever felt that wave of panic come over you when, as a new owner, you think there's something seriously wrong with your car

After 34 years of Pcar ownership, yeah any new noise and I freak out until I understand what it is.

I do love the sound of the oil rushing down the pass side though, just one of the many cool sounds of a 911....