radiator refill

[emosun]

So I changed my radiator (old one looks like I dredged it from the bottom of a lake)

When I go to refill it , do i basically fill the rad and res , turn it on , wait for it to get up to temp , then add more?

to my knowledge I'm not suppose to remove the radiator cap when it's warm obviously so I'm confused as to how I fill the system and get all the air bubbles out.

I know I can squeeze the hoses and that helps?

Also , do i need to add atf? None really leaked out when I changed the rad , maybe a tiny drip. I know it's suppose to be the honda stuff and not just generic so that's why I'm wondering.

[lbus9168]

Check your ATF level at the dipstick and fill as required. To bleed the cooling system, fill the radiator. Turn car on without radiator cap. Let it get warm, adding coolant as required. Once you cannot add anymore, locate the bleeder on your thermostat housing. Feel the lower radiator hose for heat to confirm thermostat is open. Carefully back the bleeder off until either air or coolant comes out. Close and reopen until only coolant comes out. Fill radiator again if required.

Continue to run until thermo fans turn on and off twice. Check levrl again. Turn car off, replace cap, fill overflow to top line. Any minor bubbles will work themselves out.

Protip: your coolant may overflow when car is warning up. This is due to your water pump sending coolant but having nowhere to go because your thermostat is closed.

Put your cap on if that happens until it heats up and let it off again.

[emosun]

From what I remember I'm suppose to only use honda branded ATF. There isn't a honda dealer for about 35 minutes. Is there any alternative I can get from napa or oriley auto parts?

[lbus9168]

No. A 35 minute drive is better than using an alternative, as your transmission will shift worse because of it.

If I was you order it online and wait.