I went to fill the radiator for the first time in a year or so of the car sitting. Went to open the bleeder screw on the radiator hose, and it came clean off. I do not remember if It was open or closed before hand, whichever the case is its stuck in that position. Is it bad or will it cause a problem in filling/draining the system? I still have the one on the water pump but just want to make sure

 

Obviously, if it is open, that will be a problem. You could temporarily replace the bleeder assy with pipe plug, until you get a new bleeder. If closed, it's going to make it harder to purge any air out.

 

Man that sucks. I actually used your site for the "how to" on the drain/fill procedure. Also used it to identify some plugs that were off that I had to re-connect, thanks for your write ups!!!

 

is there a way to bypass this valve entirely for the moment? its summer so i obviously do not need heat at the moment

 

I had the same problem happen to me today. Except my mine was the bleeder screw that is on the water pump.

Would there be any other way to purge the air out of my system without it? Maybe by taking out the stat and pouring coolant down in the block?

 

Yes. That's the way I fill the system. I have never had to use the bleed screws.

 

Alright thanks for the help, I was getting worried I would have to replace the water pump. Will do that tomorrow and post results

 

All you have to do is unscrew the bleeder assy and put in a pipe plug, like I already suggested. No reason you would have to replace the water pump. The bleeder is in the thermostat housing anyway-not the pump.

 

My head for the screw broke clean off and the bottom is flush with the neck of the valve. Whats the best way to go about removing the screw?

 

If the screw only is broken off, do you still have the hex portion of the bottom part of the bleeder there? If so, unscrew that and insert a pipe plug (that you can get at any hardware store). Take that part with you to the store to match the threads.

 

Anyone know where to get that two piece bleeder screw? I lost mine so now I just have a plug in there, it works, but I'd rather have the bleeder screw. I tried all the parts stores with no avail and the dealer will charge and arm and a let if they still carry them.

 

Your plug will do the same thing. Just loosen it slightly till the coolant comes out. Thats all you are doing with bleeder screw anyway.

I would recommend loosening/tightening it up every couple months anyway to prevent it from locking up....every other oil change or whatever...just a quick one turn or two out and back in again..

 

There are probably thousands of them laying around at the salvage yard.

 

Very good point.

 

These cars are rare by me unfortunetely =(