How to Bleed the Cooling System On a 1996 Monte Carlo

Chevrolet introduced the Monte Carlo in 1970. The 1996 Monte Carlo was equipped with the option of a 3.1-liter V-6 in the base sub-model, and a 3.4-liter engine in the Z34 sub-model. The cooling system in the 1996 Monte Carlo can gather air pockets throughout when different parts of the cooling system are replaced or removed. Examples of such parts include the radiator hoses, thermostat and water pump. Air pockets must be bled from the cooling system or they will damage the engine. Bleeding the cooling system is a simple task.

Instructions

1

Remove the radiator cap from the coolant reservoir. Start the vehicle, and let the engine run for no less than 15 minutes.

2

Turn the fan speed selector on the heater control panel to full speed. Turn the heat selector to full heat, and the position selector or bi-level switch to defrost mode. This will heat the engine more quickly.

3

Place a radiator hose clamp or needle-nose pliers onto the upper radiator hose -- the hose that protrudes from the top driver's side of the radiator. The object is to stop the flow of the coolant to force the air pockets out of the cooling system. This is the key element of bleeding a cooling system.

4

Turn off the engine after 15 minutes or more, or once you notice there are no more air bubbles coming from the cooling system. The bubbles will be visible from where you removed the radiator cap. Take the radiator hose clamp off of the hose. Shut off the vehicle's engine.

5

Top the radiator overflow bottle to the "FULL" mark with fresh coolant. Use 50/50 premixed coolant, specific to your vehicle's engine. Check with your dealership or local auto parts store on whether or not your engine should have Dexcool in the engine or not. Dexcool is a coolant made specifically for General Motors engines of this era. Replace the radiator cap when you have completed the bleeding process.