Coolant System Problem Options

[80gumdrops]

Howdy. Got a UK '96 ST202 3S-GE.

Firstly, when I start the engine I can hear air bubbles circulating around the cooling system (happens about 3 seconds from ignition).

I've checked that the coolant is fully topped up.

On two occasions I haven't heard any bubbles.. when that happens, no hot air comes in and the engine temp rises above normal. When this has happened I've felt the pipes and found that the top pipe and top of the radiator is hot and the bottom pipe and bottom of radiator is cold.

First time it happened I decided to get the thermostat replaced.

Second time, I added coolant and gave the pipes a squeeze, which must've dislodged some air, because it started working again.

Last night, I heard a few bubbles as usual and had heat as usual, but about 5 mins into the journey I gave it some welly up a hill, lost hot air and the engine started to overheat again.

After a 5 min rest, I started the engine and heard LOADS of air bubbles circulate.

Any ideas folks?

Cheers.

[trdproven]

all you gotta do is elevate the front end to make the radiator opening on the highest point, put coolant, turn on the car, set the heater, use a funnel to allow the air to bubble out, rev a bit here and there to test if there are more bubbles.

by not using a funnel it just gets sloppy and you can't bring out the air better, because it just spills out the top.