Bleeding cooling system
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True Car Nut
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When I replaced my LIM recently I took the thermostat out and drilled a small hole through the thermostat like this
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9579&dateline=1358123470)
The hole doesn't have to be this big, just big enough for air to pass through when coolant pushes it out. If you make a hole too big you will have issues warming the car up.
By doing this it makes it a bit easier to bleed the air out of the cooling system. You should still squeeze the hoses a bit. But when you finish refilling the system, go for a drive. Let it cool off for a while then top off again and you should be good to go, just keep an eye on the coolant level for a few days.
The hole doesn't have to be this big, just big enough for air to pass through when coolant pushes it out. If you make a hole too big you will have issues warming the car up.
By doing this it makes it a bit easier to bleed the air out of the cooling system. You should still squeeze the hoses a bit. But when you finish refilling the system, go for a drive. Let it cool off for a while then top off again and you should be good to go, just keep an eye on the coolant level for a few days.
Attaching a pic of an old OE Stat with the hole in it.
+1 to Dans method of filling and bleeding!
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