1. Check Coolant Level: Before you start, ensure your coolant level is correct. Add 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water if needed, referring to your owner's manual for the specific coolant type recommended.
2. Locate Bleeder Valves/Points: The 1993 Dodge Stealth likely has one or more bleed points. These are typically small screws or valves located at high points in the cooling system. Common locations include:
* Radiator: Some radiators have a bleeder valve at the top.
* Engine Block: There might be a bleed point on the engine block itself, often near the thermostat housing.
* Expansion Tank (Reservoir): This is a likely location. You might need to squeeze the upper radiator hose gently to help push air out.
Consult your repair manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual for your specific year and engine will show you diagrams and pinpoint the exact location(s) of these valves. This is crucial; working without a diagram could lead to mistakes.
3. Burping the System:
* With Bleeder Valves: If you find bleeder valves, open them *slightly* while someone else slowly adds coolant to the radiator or expansion tank until coolant flows steadily from the bleeder valve(s) and is free of air bubbles. Close the valve(s) once the coolant is clear and continuously flowing.
* Without Bleeder Valves (Less Common): If there are no obvious bleeder valves, the process is more challenging and relies on forcing air out through the expansion tank.
* Start the engine and let it run until it reaches operating temperature. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge to prevent overheating.
* Monitor the expansion tank. Squeeze the upper radiator hose gently to help move air out and allow coolant to fill the system. Top off the coolant in the expansion tank as needed.
* Let the engine idle for at least 15-20 minutes. Repeatedly check and top off the coolant in the expansion tank.
4. Check for Leaks: After bleeding the system, carefully inspect all hoses and connections for leaks.
5. Repeat as Necessary: It might take several attempts to completely remove all the air from the system. Air pockets can stubbornly remain.
Important Considerations:
* Overheating: Never run the engine without sufficient coolant. This can cause serious damage.
* Pressure: The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Be careful when handling hot coolant. Let the engine cool completely before opening anything.
* Coolant Type: Use the correct type of coolant as specified in your owner's manual. Mixing different coolants can be damaging.
* Repair Manual: A repair manual is highly recommended to locate bleed points and provide step-by-step instructions specific to your car.
If you're uncomfortable performing this procedure yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly bleeding the cooling system can lead to overheating and engine damage.
