Hey all. I just installed a new Weiand aluminum pump and since this was my first waterpump job, I wanted to make sure I don't damage the engine by something as simple as a coolant refill procedure.

I drained all the coolant out of the intake manifold as well as the heads since I also replaced the thermostat. I drained most of the coolant from the block and emptied out the radiator, then replaced the pump. There is still a small amount of coolant that remains in the lower passages of the block but that's about it. Is it as simple as filling the radiator, then starting the engine with the radiator cap off and adding more coolant as the level lowers? I want to make sure the pump isn't isolated with a giant air pocket and actually pumps coolant through the engine.

 

slowly fill it to the top, let it sit for a bit then top it off. start it with the cap on (make sure the overflow is full) and run it till the t stat opens (top hose gets hot) then turn it off and let it cool and open and make sure the radiator and overfull are both still full, if not fill up and do it once more. should be full on first time might take a second time though

 

Start it with the cap off, keep adding coolant as the level goes down until it starts to warm up and spill out the neck. Then cap it and fill the overflow.

 

i agree with the cap off method too. something i've done before (and its not for everyone) is drilled a small 1/16" hole in the thermostat. It does mean a little coolant is always circulating through the system, but it also does help to bleed out some of those air pockets quicker.