1300GT Radiator filling question

[KTM AL]

 Hello All
 Can anyone shed light on the following questions please?
 When doing a service on a 1300GT does the cooling system have to be filled from the bottom using vacuum in the radiator or can you just fill it from the top of the radiator ? I have seen a couple of instruction pages that show the vacuum method but not mentioned why. Would filling from the top create air pockets in the system ?
 Just wanted to make sure before buying the vacuum kit.
 Thanks

[raesewell]

The radiator must be vacuum filled to avoid air pockets which cause hot spots. There is a how to in the Tech section.
They are not vacuum filled for fun 

[KTM AL]

 Thanks Rea
 Thought that would be the case , Thank you

[raesewell]

Rae not Rea 

[Phmode]

Shop wisely Alec, there are some very expensive kits out there...

However, you do need to make sure you get a kit with a selection of 'bungs' including a small one for the K rad cap which is much smaller than normal car ones for which most kits are produced.

[KTM AL]

Hi
 Sorry Rae 

 I have just bought one of theses kits
 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-Piece-Radiator-Cooling-System-Vacuum-Purge-and-Refill-Kit-G5B3/112653348650?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
just hope it fits .
 I will post the results.
 Thanks for your help.

[raesewell]

If you take some photos and write a How To I will sticky it in the How To section. Toms post has been sabotaged by Photobucket. 

[Philip]

I was looking at the self same item on eBay yesterday, as spark plugs were due a change about 10k miles ago.

I  read this off the " How To" section   http://eurokclub.bike/index.php?topic=1512.msg17122#msg17122

I couldn't see where you would get the source of vacuum from in that kit you highlighted.

So I bought a clone of the Mityvac used in the How To thread   https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hand-Held-Brake-Bleeder-Tester-Set-Bleed-Kit-Vacuum-Pump-Car-Motorbike-Durable/253310333351?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[Phmode]

You need a vacuum puller for use with any of the filling kits; either a compressor or a vacuum cleaner.

The MityVac doesn't seem to have the radiator cap adaptors for use when re-filling the coolant system.

[Dusty]

I have a similar kit and it works well. However, I now use a Pela 6000 extractor pump rather than my air compressor to create the vacuum so the main part of the kit, the vacuum generator, is not needed.

[Philip]

The MityVac doesn't seem to have the radiator cap adaptors for use when re-filling the coolant system.

I've got a box of various rubbery bits in the garage.
Think I will be able to bodge some sort of bung to enable a sealed small pipe entry into the large rad cap opening.

Otherwise will have to get my thinking cap on.

[KTM AL]

You need a vacuum puller for use with any of the filling kits; either a compressor or a vacuum cleaner.

The MityVac doesn't seem to have the radiator cap adaptors for use when re-filling the coolant system.

I think the T shaped piece in the kit is a vacuum generator that you connect to an air line, thought this ad didn't mention that. Looking at other ads for the same item do state this.

[Phmode]

Er, yes! My point is that this sort of kit is only an 'adaptor’ kit for use, mainly, in garages and workshops where they have airlines, compressors or vacuum systems. Don't buy one thinking it does it all for you if you haven't got the sucker/blower wotnot 

[TomL]

I use a Sealey coolant system vacuum filler kit in conjunction with a Pela 6000 vacuum extractor to creat the vacuum.

[KTM AL]

I use a Sealey coolant system vacuum filler kit in conjunction with a Pela 6000 vacuum extractor to creat the vacuum.

Hi Sorry I wasn't clear, I do have a compressor / air line in my garage, if all else fails I do have a manual vacuum pump for a brake bleeding kit I could use.