coolant bleeder

[kieselba3]

Recently went to bleed my coolant and noticed that when I flipped the metal ring up to open the valve that the valve seems like it is always open. It seems like there might be a spring that would normally pull the valve closed but is warn out or broken. Can anyone tell me if this is just normal or if it is not working correctly? Also if it is broken is it a problem? Can I just get the valve as a part or do I need a whole new reservoir? My reservoir isn’t leaking so would hate to have to replace the whole thing. BTW the car is not overheating but seems to run a little hott.

[1schoir]

Recently went to bleed my coolant and noticed that when I flipped the metal ring up to open the valve that the valve seems like it is always open. It seems like there might be a spring that would normally pull the valve closed but is warn out or broken. Can anyone tell me if this is just normal or if it is not working correctly? Also if it is broken is it a problem? Can I just get the valve as a part or do I need a whole new reservoir? My reservoir isn't leaking so would hate to have to replace the whole thing. BTW the car is not overheating but seems to run a little hott.

It is possible (and normal) to put the bleeder valve silver lever in the upright position and to have it stay in that position. Sometimes that position can be used for a few days while driving so as to bleed any trapped air from the coolant system.

You can buy the bleeder valve assembly as a separate part from the coolant reservoir from Porsche. It's a fairly straightforward DIY, with the only caution being to be careful not to overtorque the screws holding the bleeder assembly in place as they are somewhat delicate and easy to shear.

Regards, Maurice.

Edited August 14, 2010 by 1schoir

[RFM]

With a cold engine, the spring should press the valve downwards in the close possition, with a hot engine the valve should stay in the open possition all of the time by the pressure in the cooling system, which is stronger than the spring strength. The most common possibilities are, faulty pressure cap (hold no more, or not enough, pressure) and worn out spring.