Cold Radiator

[lotusrock]

1998 c2 996. had small coolant leak for a while and eventually got around to sorting over last few days with help from the site. Bumper removal instructions were excellent. Got a shock when removed as i found the air condensors totally shot in the bottom outside of each, think radiators never been cleaned out and leaves and rubbish had been rotting the rads away. Anyway decided to replace these aswell as the rads that were both leaking.

Not too difficult to remove and fit new rads with help of 3rd radiator instructions. The fan assembly that came off as one was easier to fit back by seperating from it's bracket first.

Anyway, now my problem, i followed the instructions of bleeding the system when changing the fluid but am unsure how much was left in the system when i changed the radiators (think about 2 gallon came out and a further 2 gallon when empty the system using the rear plug) flushed the system of the old fluid as descrided and managed to get 2 - 2 1/2 gallon into the car but thats all ! the first time a flushed the system and had the heater on full but it blew out cold air and i noticed that the temperature warming light was flashed from switched the engine on even though it was cold! HOWEVER, THE next 3 times the heater was fine and hot, however, even though i've started the car and ran it on the drive to about 90 a few times with the bleed nipple open and filler cap on there is no room in the reservoir for extra fliud and the front radiators are not heating up at all even though the fans are kicking in!

so not too sure on the following

1) is the system full of coolant? if not how do i get more into the system

2) is there coolant in the radiators and if not why? if there is why no heat?

3) am i running it for long enough someone suggested i take it out for 30-40 minute drive with the bleed nipple open?

4) should you bleed the system with the coolant cap on or off? (i did rise the rear end as suggested)

5) will the thermostat be ok if the fans are working and would the water pump have anything to do with this problem?

6) also, the site mentions that if you replace the air condensors you need to replace something else if the system has been open for a while, what is this and where is it?

your help is appreciated

lotusrock

[RFM]

You have to shut OFF the aircond. on 996 to test the radiator fans. Flashed warning lamp means coolant level too low. Fill the expansion tank and let the engine idle till the radiators feel hot, in the meanwhile keep an eye on the temperature and the warning light, ones the temp. reach the 95° C the fans will come in. Let the engine cool down and tip up the level. Your site means to change the dryer/receiver which is located near the battery.