Why Cooling System Repairs on a European Car Can Be Tricky

Most people think that cooling systems on all vehicles can be simple to work on. On the other hand, cooling systems can be tricky to repair when working on an European vehicle.

Cooling systems are designed to keep the engine working at operating temperature for optimal performance. Plus, cooling systems also aid in heating the cab up for climate control and also defrost for foggy windows.

Cooling systems on some vehicles can be very complex. On European vehicles, most cooling systems are tricky to work on for the system is tucked away or is in tight spots. A lot of European vehicles have remote reservoirs to fill up the cooling system. The radiator usually is tucked away inside the front grill of the chassis. This makes it a bit difficult to fill up a system when changing the contaminated or weak coolant.

There are two types of cooling systems:

  • Conventional cooling system
  • Closed cooling system

When flushing a conventional cooling system, there will be access to the radiator and have an easy access to the drain valve on the lower portion of the radiator. Usually the heating system will drain with the radiator.

When flushing a closed cooling system with a reservoir (expansion tank) the radiator can be mounted in the open or hidden. Since the radiator is hidden in an European vehicle, this can be tricky when flushing the coolant. The best way to flush the coolant is to use a tool called - coolant vacuum bleeder. This tool will draw all of the coolant from the system into a drain container or bucket and place a vacuum on the entire system. Then when the system is ready for recharge, just take the drain hose and place it into the new coolant. Be sure to have extra coolant to keep from getting air into the system. Turn the valve to flow and let the vacuum draw in the new coolant. This will fill the system, but if there is a slow leak, the system will be low when recharged.

When replacing coolant hoses on European vehicles, there may be some obstacles in the way. For example, some European vehicles have coolant hoses that connect the the engine behind a pulley or a pump. This can be tricky, for it seems almost impossible to gain access to the hose clamp. In this case, the pulley or pump must be removed to gain access to the hose clamp. Sometimes when removing parts, they tend to break off and cause even more problems.

Other systems may be in the way of the cooling system like the air conditioning hoses. If the hose is bendable and can be moved, then removing the clamps to the air conditioning hose would aid in replacing a coolant hose. However, if the air conditioning hose is hard and cannot bend, then removal of the refrigerant from the air conditioning system is a must. This will remove all pressure to the air conditioning system allowing the hose to be disconnected and moved out of the way to gain access to the cooling system hose.


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Recent Cooling System Flush reviews

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862
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Jean

16 years of experience
157 reviews
Jean
16 years of experience
Mercury Grand Marquis V8-4.6L - Cooling System Flush - Tampa, Florida
it was very pleasant .he explained things to me where I could understand knew what he was doing got done in a reasonable amount of time
Mini Cooper - Cooling System Flush - Saint Petersburg, Florida
Excellent work. Very skilled. Took the time to explain the issue and the solution to me. Very satisfied. Thanks.

Jared

5 years of experience
91 reviews
Jared
5 years of experience
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD V8-6.0L - Cooling System Flush - Stockbridge, Georgia
Jared arrived early and repair was completed before the expected time. He was very pleasant, and courteous. He showed me what he was going to do, explained things to me in terms I understood. I was so pleased in how professional Jared. I would definitely recommended his as Your Mechanic!!
Mazda 6 - Cooling System Flush - McDonough, Georgia
Jared is professional and a freindly mechanic that works with passion. He explains things well and do whatever it takes to solve the issue. Explained everything in detail and did a fantastic job. All the required services were completed within the time frame. Jared arrived on time. Thank you Jared.

Caz

18 years of experience
146 reviews
Caz
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz GL450 V8-4.7L Turbo - Cooling System Flush - Roswell, Georgia
Caz was great, went above and beyond to locate hose needed for repair when local dealers were out or backordered because of supply chain issues. Traveled a few counties away to find part and get me back on the road. Knowledgable and explained process as well as recommended services car needed upon inspection.
Toyota Highlander - Cooling System Flush - Woodstock, Georgia
Caz is extremely knowledgeable and very personable. Explained everything to my level of understanding. I didn’t feel like I was being up charged for future work that needs to take place to keep my “mommy mobile” on the road. I truly enjoyed having him work on my vehicle and honestly, I will request him every time going forward. Fabulous mechanic.

Michael

22 years of experience
391 reviews
Michael
22 years of experience
Chevrolet Cruze L4-1.4L Turbo - Cooling System Flush - Rancho Cucamonga, California
Michael is through, respectful, professional and hard working. He knows his way around under the hood
Lexus RX400h - Cooling System Flush - Upland, California
He arrived in time and completed the job very professionally. He took time to explain other possible issues with the vehicle which should be done in future..

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