The cooling system in your Dodge Charger is vital for maintaining engine temperature and performance. If air becomes trapped in the system, it can lead to overheating or inefficient cooling.
Bleeding the cooling system removes this air, ensuring your car runs smoothly. Here is a step-by-step guide to bleed the cooling system properly.
Why Bleeding Is Important?
Air pockets in the cooling system can block the coolant flow, reducing its efficiency. This can result in overheating, damage to engine components, and inconsistent heating performance inside the cabin.
Bleeding ensures the coolant circulates freely, protecting the engine and maintaining optimal performance.
What You’ll Need
- Coolant recommended for your Dodge Charger (check the owner’s manual)
- A funnel with a long spout
- A clean container to catch spills
- Protective gloves and goggles
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
Park the Charger on a level surface and let the engine cool completely. Open the hood and locate the radiator cap and coolant reservoir. Ensure safety by wearing gloves and goggles to avoid exposure to hot fluids.
Step 2: Add Coolant
Remove the radiator cap and slowly add the recommended coolant. Use a funnel to prevent spills. Fill until the coolant reaches the top of the radiator. Check and refill the coolant reservoir to the proper level.
Step 3: Start the Engine
Turn on the engine and set the heater to the highest setting. This allows coolant to circulate through the heater core, ensuring no air remains trapped in this part of the system.
Step 4: Monitor and Bleed Air
Observe the coolant level in the radiator. As air escapes, you may see bubbles. Keep adding coolant as the level drops. Continue until no more bubbles appear.
Step 5: Use the Bleeder Valve (if equipped)
Many Dodge Chargers have a bleeder valve near the thermostat housing. Open this valve slightly with a wrench to let out any trapped air. Tighten it once coolant flows steadily without air pockets.
Step 6: Check the Coolant Levels
Turn off the engine and let it cool. Recheck the radiator and reservoir levels, adding coolant if necessary. Ensure all caps and valves are tightly closed.
Tips for Success
- Always use the coolant specified for your Charger to avoid compatibility issues.
- Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot; the coolant can cause burns.
- Inspect hoses and the radiator for leaks during the bleeding process.
Dodge Charger Coolant Bleeder Valve
The coolant bleeder valve on a Dodge Charger is typically located near the thermostat housing. It allows you to release trapped air from the cooling system efficiently.
To use it, open the valve slightly with a wrench while the engine is running, ensuring the coolant flows smoothly without air bubbles. Once the flow stabilizes, close the valve securely.
2012 Dodge Charger 3.6 Coolant Bleed
For a 2012 Dodge Charger with the 3.6L engine, bleeding the coolant system involves filling the radiator and reservoir with the recommended coolant, then using the bleeder valve to remove air pockets.
Open the bleeder valve, start the engine, and let it run with the heater on high. Keep adding coolant as air escapes until no bubbles remain. Close the valve and recheck fluid levels after cooling.
How to Remove Air Pocket in Cooling System?
To remove air pockets:
- Park the car on a level surface and let it cool.
- Fill the radiator and reservoir with coolant.
- Start the engine with the heater set to high.
- Use the bleeder valve to release trapped air.
- Watch for consistent coolant flow without bubbles.
- Allow the system to cool and recheck levels, topping off as needed.
6.4 HEMI Coolant Bleed
Bleeding the cooling system in a 6.4L HEMI engine requires a similar process:
- Fill the radiator and overflow tank with the correct coolant.
- Open the bleeder valve near the thermostat housing.
- Run the engine with the heater on high.
- Monitor for air bubbles escaping through the valve.
- Once the flow stabilizes, close the valve.
- Check and refill coolant levels after cooling.
Regularly inspect for leaks or faulty components if air pockets persist.
2007 Dodge Charger 2.7 Coolant Bleeder
The coolant bleeder for a 2007 Dodge Charger with the 2.7L engine is located near the thermostat housing.
To bleed the system, open the bleeder valve and let air escape while adding coolant to the radiator.
Run the engine with the heater on high until a steady coolant stream flows without bubbles. Close the valve and check the coolant levels once the engine cools.
2012 Dodge Charger 5.7 Coolant Bleed
For a 2012 Dodge Charger with the 5.7L HEMI engine, start by filling the radiator and coolant reservoir.
Locate the bleeder valve near the thermostat, open it, and let air escape while the engine runs with the heater on high.
Top off the coolant as needed until bubbles disappear. Tighten the valve and recheck coolant levels after the engine cools.
How to Bleed Dodge Charger Cooling System Without Bleeder?
If your Dodge Charger doesn’t have a bleeder valve, you can still remove air pockets:
- Park the car on a level surface and allow it to cool.
- Remove the radiator cap and fill the system with the recommended coolant.
- Start the engine and set the heater to its highest setting.
- Continuously monitor and refill the coolant as bubbles escape.
- Gently squeeze the upper radiator hose to help dislodge trapped air.
- Once no bubbles appear, let the engine cool and recheck the coolant level.
What Happens if You Don’t Burp Your Cooling System?
Failing to burp your cooling system can lead to trapped air pockets, which disrupt coolant flow. This can cause engine overheating, reduced heater performance, and potential damage to components like the thermostat or water pump.
Over time, unremoved air can lead to costly repairs due to uneven cooling and pressure buildup. Always ensure your cooling system is properly bled to avoid these issues.
How Do I Completely Empty My Cooling System?
To completely drain your cooling system:
- Locate the Drain Plug: Find the radiator drain plug at the bottom of the radiator.
- Drain the Radiator: Place a container under the plug, open it, and allow the coolant to drain fully.
- Flush the System: Remove the radiator cap and flush the system with water until it runs clear.
- Drain Again: Let the water completely drain out.
- Empty the Overflow Tank: Use a siphon or disconnect the tank to empty it.
- Refill with Coolant: Close the drain plug and refill with the recommended coolant.
Do Cooling Systems Self Bleed?
Some modern cooling systems are designed to self-bleed to a certain extent. They include features like built-in bleeder valves or overflow tanks that allow air to escape. However, many systems require manual bleeding, especially after a complete coolant change, to ensure all trapped air is removed.
Do You Bleed a Radiator Open or Closed?
When bleeding a radiator, you start with the bleed valve closed. Open it slowly while the system is running or warmed up (depending on the system’s design) to let trapped air escape. Once coolant flows out in a steady stream without air bubbles, close the valve tightly.
How to Remove Air Bubbles from a Coolant System?
To remove air bubbles:
- Start with a Cool Engine: Ensure the engine is cold.
- Fill the Radiator: Add coolant to the radiator and reservoir.
- Run the Engine: Start the engine and set the heater to the maximum setting.
- Open the Bleeder Valve: If available, open the valve to release trapped air.
- Squeeze Hoses: Gently squeeze the upper radiator hose to help move air.
- Top Off Coolant: Refill the radiator as air escapes and bubbles stop appearing.
- Check Levels After Cooling: Once the engine cools, recheck and top off the coolant.
Repeat the process if air bubbles persist or overheating continues.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance of your vehicle’s cooling system is necessary for its performance and longevity. Draining and refilling the coolant, bleeding the system to remove air pockets, and understanding how the system works can prevent overheating and costly repairs.
While some cooling systems self-bleed, manual processes ensure no trapped air remains. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and inspect coolant levels regularly for optimal operation.
