I have finally found the crack in my coolant tank. Would that cause air to get into the system and cause some overheating problems. If so how do I bleed the system when I get the new tank?

 

The best method I have found, is park your car wher the passenger's front is slightly elevated, take the cap off(when cool obviously), fill tank aprox half way. Start the engine leaving the cap off. When it reaches norm operating temp, let it idle a few more minutes, maybe 10 or so. Then let it cool down, refill tank to proper level, recap and drive.

If when you first fill and idle w/out the cap some coolant "burp's" out, thats normal, it's the air escaping.


Was the tank run empty? That would cause air to get in the system.

 

I would think that even just a crack would affect it pretty severely. As it expands and contracts with heat changes and the pressure increases, how can it hold the pressure?

As it flexes, pressure escapes, coolant escapes, air gets sucked in, system is out of designed operating parameters...................What is to be expected?

 

This is the Bleeder valve that should be on your radiator.

Pic. taken from my 95 discovery.

The resevoir does not bleed actual air off the system. Not correctly anyway.
Fill it up. Rev engine to about 2000 rpm for about a minute. Open bleeder screw
pictured above to bleed out air and close immediately. Continue doing this until nothing but coolant comes out. Then take it for a drive and try again. I have done many vehicles this way. An Airlift is better but this will work too.

 

Ok I understand now. I am so glad I found this forum. You guys are so helpful. Every mechanic I talk to out here get so afraid when I tell them what kind of car I have.

 

Learn to do as much as you can yourself, that's the most satisfying way in the long run.

 

Quoted for truth...

 

With that said is there any certain special type of tools I should have. Certain size torx, standard it metric? I have some basic tools but I want to know I have everything I need before I start something.

 

When you replace the tank, make sure you get a white replacement tank not the original factory black can that is know for blowing seals.
Do you know how to bleed the coolant system afterwards?

 

I am just going to do what Colodisco advised. Is there any other way it seems pretty easy if I do what he said. I am also going to do a flush and change the t stat while I'm at it.