Good video of a very useful tool. I bought one to do the intercooler on my car. Cruzes have a bleed on the top of the passenger tank of the radiator. I've rebuilt 5 totaled Cruzes and never needed a vacuum bleeder on one. I have come across other cars a time or two that just wouldn't bleed. In those cases, this tool is a lifesaver!
I’ve used a vacuum coolant filler for the last 10 years or so.. it’s a game changer. I’ve even used it on problem clutch and brake bleeding when nothing else is working.
@@SaycoPworrell snap on sells one of these vacuum fillers that attach to a standard radiator cap. That’s what I use along with a Mac radiator pressure tester kit that has all the different cap adapters. I prefer this way over the universal rubber plug type that was shown in this video
This is exactly what i was looking for. Great video. Needed to know how to use this tool. Listening to my buddys advice. I did not use a bucket, and did not start and then reseal the coolant feed, followed by topping off the vaccum a final time. Im assuming im gonna have to burp this system. But next time it will be like butter. Thank you
Couldn’t get a better tutorial on this kit bought mine today from cornwell looking foward for it…now when you start using it do you not add any coolant at all at first just have everything empty?
I have the Ford 6.4L diesel. This engine is notorious for cooling system air problems. I believe Ford recommends using this tool for servicing the coolant. Thanks for the video!
I have an Acura ILX, 2021, and I started with the spill proof funnel, only to end up getting air bubbles, and hot air only on HI setting? It’s so frustrating! I ordered a vacuum kit off Amazon. Hopefully this will fix my no heat below the HI setting? 86,85, 84, ect… it goes to , basically room temperature? Could a stuck thermostat cause this? Only getting hot air on Hi setting? Not the fan speed, the temp setting.
Thank you for the video!!! Been working on my daughters '07 Tahoe.. pain in the @$$!!! I think we finally got it, but.... Looks like I will be getting a new tool... Too many pieces of equipment around here that it would be handy for!!
So two questions: 1) I only have an 8 gallon air compressor, can I use this tool? 2) When applying vacuum and filling what happens with the thermostat? I've been a little confused about that part Thanks!
I haven’t tried it with a compressor that small but you might have issues. This essentially creates a giant air leak. I’m not sure if your compressor will be able to keep up. The coolant fills to the back side of the thermostat through the other hoses that do not have a thermostat blocking them.
Everybody always talks about the air in the hose while refilling, it is a non-issue, if the tool is not interrupted during the process, the air in the hose at the beginning will be the air at the top of the D-gas bottle. There will be no air pockets anywhere in the cooling system and most of the time the coolant will be spot on and you do not have to add any more coolant to it!
That may be true on MOST vehicles but on some cars such as Chevy Cruz it will cause an issue. I have experienced this several times. The instructions per the manufacturer of the tool specify to purge the air. It’s one small extra step that gives piece of mind. Some vehicles the tank is an expansion tank and not a degas bottle.
It is definitely a non-issue if the technician takes the time to purge the fill hose of air. It takes just a minute or two to properly purge the fill hose of air prior to commencing the refill of the system. Why would you *NOT* do that in order to assure a successful repair?
I have a Subaru Outback, 2001 4 cylinder. A problem I've been having is the coolant overflow reservoir filling up, but not returning the coolant back to the radiator overnight. I have replaced just about every cooling system part trying to solve this. So this concept you explain is completely new to me. Is running this process through my car , and presumably replacing vacuum back into the system the solution to my problem?
Hey Chuck, I know this might now be what you want to hear but I would get a headgasket test kit and check to see if you have combustion gasses entering the coolant.
Video description you recommend the "UView" vacuum tool, but in your Amazon store you recommend the one by "Robinair." I'm assuming they both work just fine. You used universal coolant and for some reason I'm hesitant to use anything other than OEM spec, but if you've never seen any problems using universal then I might switch on to a universal like "Mishimoto Liquid Chill."
It’s possible the link changed. Amazon sellers do strange things sometimes. Any of the name brand tools work great. It’s a relatively simple design. As far as universal coolant goes I have had great luck with it. It’s best to make sure all of the old coolant is out beforehand though.
I would recommend the UView AirLift 550000 (solid brass body) instead of the AirLift II 50500, which has only the universal cone and is a plastic body tool design.
Question for you, if there is maybe still a gallon in the system will this work or does it push the old out, I had to pull off a coolant line to get to a starter motor on a volvo XC40, I bought a vacuum tool but I have this question, I may need to only put back in a gallon
Do you think this will work with my 20 Gallon Compressor? I'm thinking about picking one of these up because God i am sick and tired of manually bleeding cooling systems.
These tools need a shop air supply of 90 psi at the tool. I recommend that you have at least 5 cfm of air flow. I've got it connected to a 60 gallon compressor that puts out 11cfm at 100psi, this works very well.
It works because even though the space inside the motor is empty being under a vacuum makes it technically void of air. When you open up the valve and allow only coolant in the coolant fills that empty space. It fills throughout the entire block/head/radiator. The coolant will flow in from the opposite hose that the thermostat is located on.
It is a constant air leak so you will need a decent size compressor to keep up. I would say if your compressor has a hard time with a grinder it may also struggle with this. It uses less than a grinder but still consumes quite a bit of air.
can this be used to evacuate a system that is full of coolant? I have a supercharger water to air system that has no drain and it would be a pain in the ass to get a hose in a low spot off a fitting to drain. If i could evacuate it using this and then refill it with fresh fluid.
@@InTheShop okay, I'm not looking to get all the coolant out, just want to be able to get the air out without disassembling the system to drain it first. thanks
It is very inefficient at draining coolant out of the system. It is NOT designed to do this. If you want this tool to evacuate your system properly, I would recommend getting as much coolant out of the system BEFORE you evacuate.
can you use this to vacuum coolant from the engine block? I have an old car with sensors attached to the engine block drain plugs. i really dont want to risk breaking the sensors
@@InTheShop I want to flush the cooling system and replace the coolant. but the radiator drain petcock only removes about one half gallon of approx 4 gallons of coolant in the system, if I disconnect the heater hose i can drain an additional quart of coolant, this leaves about 3 gallons inside of the engine. its this remaining coolant that I have trouble removing. and removing the lower radiator hose does not remedy the problem. this car was designed to be serviced with a shop vacuum machine. most shops will not guarantee that they will not break the engine block drain plugs with the sensors attached if I just pay them to remove the plugs
Thank you Paul! Looks like the part number for the snapon tool is SVTSRAD272U store.snapon.com/Cooling-System-Vacuum-Fillers-Kit-Cooling-System-Filler-Universal-P888852.aspx
@@InTheShop SnapOn makes nice tools but the price on this one is especially absurd: $278. The same tool from Schwaben is $74. www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/coolant-refill-air-purge-tool/003466sch01/ The quality probably is not as good as SnapOn but still good. I appreciate the video. Good job.
Absolutely they are on the higher end of the price. I linked to a cheaper option in the description of the video. I only shared the snapon part number because that’s the one I used and he asked specifically for that part number.
@@InTheShop I understand. I also understand that often times you get what you pay for, and with SnapOn, you're buying quality. Since your'e a professional mechanic, it's understandable why you would buy from SnapOn. In your business, time is money. You can't have tools failing and wasting your time. Great video. Keep up the good work.
What air pressure do you use like psi on the compressor to evacuate the system to be safe and not destroy the system why don't any you talk about the psi on the compressor to use I get everything else but please mention the psi for your viewer's 40 psi - 90 psi ?
The air pressure isn’t as important as the level of vacuum you pull. The higher the air pressure though ~90psi the easier time the tool will have pulling a vacuum
No. This tool is NOT designed to avoid a proper draining procedure. You should follow manufacturers recommendations regarding how to drain all of the coolant. In most cases, that requires opening the radiator petcock or removing the lower radiator hose, in addition to removing the engine drain plugs.
@@InTheShop I tried it today and it would just suck a bit out then it would stop. I couldn't get it to hold pressure at all though. Just enough to refill the system. But not enough to test it.
@@luislozano1513 if it won’t hold pressure there is either still air in the system, you have a leak somewhere, or the tool isn’t sealed to the filler neck.
@@InTheShopyeah I just got back from driving it and the reservoir is way low. I think I'll have to just make time to actually drain it and do it the right way hopefully its just air. Also the rubber seals weren't great on my reservoir.
It works best if the system is as empty as possible. This tool is NOT designed to empty your system of coolant. If it catches a little coolant it is OK, but it is NOT designed to avoid draining your coolant out of the system.
Sorry but it's not a very clear explanation. Novice like me didn't understand cause you didn't actually explain which is which on that tool. But thank you for the video. I will acquire the tool and I'm sure reading the instruction manual will make me understand how. Thank you.
I apologize if I left something out. I tried to make the video more of an explanation of the use of the tool and not a 100% instruction. The reason I left a few details out is different manufacturers have slightly different controls but function the same way. If you buy the tool and have any questions feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to help you.
Correct. That’s why I stated that the link is not the same manufacturer as I used in the video but the snapon brand can be purchased through your local snapon dealer.
@@420MRBlueberry It is necessary, you need to purge any air that will be introduced into the cooling system......if you just crack it all the air that was in that clear line will be sucked into the cooling system......defeats the purpose of the tool.
@@420MRBlueberry You are mistaken in your feeling. It takes just a minute or two to properly purge the fill hose of air prior to commencing the refill of the system. Why would you NOT do that in order to assure a successful repair?
Yeah I noticed. Not sure why he didn't use the version with the Stanton cap screw like others have demonstrated on TH-cam. Give him credit though for at least purging the fill tube.
Finally somebody who removes the air from the feed line. well done
Came across this looking to buy one, for none other than a Chevy Cruze. Great info / video man, thank you!
No problem! Thanks Andrew!
Airlift has been around for years. Yes its a great tool even the snap on version. 😅 professional 👌
Good video of a very useful tool. I bought one to do the intercooler on my car. Cruzes have a bleed on the top of the passenger tank of the radiator. I've rebuilt 5 totaled Cruzes and never needed a vacuum bleeder on one. I have come across other cars a time or two that just wouldn't bleed. In those cases, this tool is a lifesaver!
I never knew they had a bleed screw! Thanks for the tip! I do love this tool though.
@@InTheShopI have a OEM tools version I just used and it worked like a charm, $60 and full aluminum body construction
I’ve used a vacuum coolant filler for the last 10 years or so.. it’s a game changer. I’ve even used it on problem clutch and brake bleeding when nothing else is working.
Saves so much time on a lot of cooling systems.
hmmm, with adaptors can you use this kit? ofcourse clean it out afterwards.
@@SaycoPworrell snap on sells one of these vacuum fillers that attach to a standard radiator cap. That’s what I use along with a Mac radiator pressure tester kit that has all the different cap adapters. I prefer this way over the universal rubber plug type that was shown in this video
very well explained, very helpful...
greetings from phoenix, AZ
This is exactly what i was looking for. Great video. Needed to know how to use this tool. Listening to my buddys advice. I did not use a bucket, and did not start and then reseal the coolant feed, followed by topping off the vaccum a final time. Im assuming im gonna have to burp this system. But next time it will be like butter. Thank you
Thanks for watching Scott. Hopefully this helps you.
Awesome video! Just picked this up off the snap on truck today
Awesome tool to have. Will save you a ton of time.
Nice vid This may help purge the fill line first then the system now ur ready to fill This tool removes all doubt
Thanks Anthony!
@@InTheShop Where I have to connect the unit in a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic Lt
Couldn’t get a better tutorial on this kit bought mine today from cornwell looking foward for it…now when you start using it do you not add any coolant at all at first just have everything empty?
Thank you for the great video! i'll be picking one of these up tomorrow. Thank you for saving me time 👍 Subbed.
Awesome! Glad it helped! It saves so many headaches on difficult to bleed cooling systems
I have the Ford 6.4L diesel. This engine is notorious for cooling system air problems. I believe Ford recommends using this tool for servicing the coolant. Thanks for the video!
Great job Nathan. As always your videos are very well done and informative!
I have an Acura ILX, 2021, and I started with the spill proof funnel, only to end up getting air bubbles, and hot air only on HI setting? It’s so frustrating! I ordered a vacuum kit off Amazon. Hopefully this will fix my no heat below the HI setting? 86,85, 84, ect… it goes to , basically room temperature? Could a stuck thermostat cause this? Only getting hot air on Hi setting? Not the fan speed, the temp setting.
Thank you for the video!!!
Been working on my daughters '07 Tahoe.. pain in the @$$!!!
I think we finally got it, but....
Looks like I will be getting a new tool... Too many pieces of equipment around here that it would be handy for!!
Thanks for Watching! Let me know how the tool works for you.
@@InTheShop hopefully be a while before needing to use it, but if I remember, I will let you know!!
I'm sure it will work better than fighting it!!
Say you’re doing a spill and fill on a full cooling system. When you create the vacuum, does it suck out all the old coolant you’ll be replacing?
Unfortunetly it won’t remove all of the coolant. You will still have to drain it.
Excellent video, thanks.
Glad you liked it!
@@InTheShop I did, and I picked up the tool you linked to. So Amazon owes you a few bucks commission!
So two questions:
1) I only have an 8 gallon air compressor, can I use this tool?
2) When applying vacuum and filling what happens with the thermostat? I've been a little confused about that part
Thanks!
I haven’t tried it with a compressor that small but you might have issues. This essentially creates a giant air leak. I’m not sure if your compressor will be able to keep up. The coolant fills to the back side of the thermostat through the other hoses that do not have a thermostat blocking them.
whats the best way to get it around the thermo, my 944 has small holes drilled in for bleeding but i dont wanna screw it to bad
Everybody always talks about the air in the hose while refilling, it is a non-issue, if the tool is not interrupted during the process, the air in the hose at the beginning will be the air at the top of the D-gas bottle. There will be no air pockets anywhere in the cooling system and most of the time the coolant will be spot on and you do not have to add any more coolant to it!
That may be true on MOST vehicles but on some cars such as Chevy Cruz it will cause an issue. I have experienced this several times. The instructions per the manufacturer of the tool specify to purge the air. It’s one small extra step that gives piece of mind. Some vehicles the tank is an expansion tank and not a degas bottle.
It is definitely a non-issue if the technician takes the time to purge the fill hose of air. It takes just a minute or two to properly purge the fill hose of air prior to commencing the refill of the system. Why would you *NOT* do that in order to assure a successful repair?
I have a Subaru Outback, 2001 4 cylinder. A problem I've been having is the coolant overflow reservoir filling up, but not returning the coolant back to the radiator overnight. I have replaced just about every cooling system part trying to solve this. So this concept you explain is completely new to me. Is running this process through my car , and presumably replacing vacuum back into the system the solution to my problem?
Hey Chuck, I know this might now be what you want to hear but I would get a headgasket test kit and check to see if you have combustion gasses entering the coolant.
Video description you recommend the "UView" vacuum tool, but in your Amazon store you recommend the one by "Robinair." I'm assuming they both work just fine. You used universal coolant and for some reason I'm hesitant to use anything other than OEM spec, but if you've never seen any problems using universal then I might switch on to a universal like "Mishimoto Liquid Chill."
It’s possible the link changed. Amazon sellers do strange things sometimes. Any of the name brand tools work great. It’s a relatively simple design. As far as universal coolant goes I have had great luck with it. It’s best to make sure all of the old coolant is out beforehand though.
@al carr Absolutely
@al carr If the tool won't seal below where the hose goes then yes.
I would recommend the UView AirLift 550000 (solid brass body) instead of the AirLift II 50500, which has only the universal cone and is a plastic body tool design.
@@StilettoSniper Yup, 7 months ago I ended up buying the Uview, great tool, I even made a video on it.
I have a Dodge Ram v6 and having some serious overheating , shop foreman at summit dodge in New Brunswick told me about this .
NICE!!!!!
Thanks!!
I wonder if one of those small air tanks would be enough to work for this??
Hi good video, how much psi did you apply on the air compressor?
Normal shop air pressure is fine. I would say no less than 90psi
Question for you, if there is maybe still a gallon in the system will this work or does it push the old out, I had to pull off a coolant line to get to a starter motor on a volvo XC40, I bought a vacuum tool but I have this question, I may need to only put back in a gallon
You will apply the vacuum until fluid starts to come out. Then fill from there.
@@InTheShop Thank You until fluid comes out or until all the existing comes out?
Do you think this will work with my 20 Gallon Compressor? I'm thinking about picking one of these up because God i am sick and tired of manually bleeding cooling systems.
I have used mine on a 20gallon compressor. It works but definitely works the compressor hard.
These tools need a shop air supply of 90 psi at the tool. I recommend that you have at least 5 cfm of air flow. I've got it connected to a 60 gallon compressor that puts out 11cfm at 100psi, this works very well.
stupid question, can it pull out the old coolant as well, or does it need to empty it first?
I hear snap on is the best one lol so maybe worth that cash money
Just curious, how does it bypass the Thermostat if its closed.
It works because even though the space inside the motor is empty being under a vacuum makes it technically void of air. When you open up the valve and allow only coolant in the coolant fills that empty space. It fills throughout the entire block/head/radiator. The coolant will flow in from the opposite hose that the thermostat is located on.
You're doing this on an completely empty coolant system correct ?
Can you drain it too?
I have a question regarding the air compressor. What is an adequate compressor for this tool?
It is a constant air leak so you will need a decent size compressor to keep up. I would say if your compressor has a hard time with a grinder it may also struggle with this. It uses less than a grinder but still consumes quite a bit of air.
can this be used to evacuate a system that is full of coolant? I have a supercharger water to air system that has no drain and it would be a pain in the ass to get a hose in a low spot off a fitting to drain. If i could evacuate it using this and then refill it with fresh fluid.
It will pull the majority out but not all of it
@@InTheShop okay, I'm not looking to get all the coolant out, just want to be able to get the air out without disassembling the system to drain it first. thanks
It is very inefficient at draining coolant out of the system. It is NOT designed to do this. If you want this tool to evacuate your system properly, I would recommend getting as much coolant out of the system BEFORE you evacuate.
can you use this to vacuum coolant from the engine block? I have an old car with sensors attached to the engine block drain plugs. i really dont want to risk breaking the sensors
It won’t remove all of the coolant from the block. It will remove a large amount of it though. What are you trying to change?
@@InTheShop I want to flush the cooling system and replace the coolant. but the radiator drain petcock only removes about one half gallon of approx 4 gallons of coolant in the system, if I disconnect the heater hose i can drain an additional quart of coolant, this leaves about 3 gallons inside of the engine. its this remaining coolant that I have trouble removing. and removing the lower radiator hose does not remedy the problem. this car was designed to be serviced with a shop vacuum machine. most shops will not guarantee that they will not break the engine block drain plugs with the sensors attached if I just pay them to remove the plugs
@@drebpipley1 Turn the car on for a little and let the pump push it out
Great video. What’s the part number on the snapon tool ? Thanks
Thank you Paul! Looks like the part number for the snapon tool is SVTSRAD272U
store.snapon.com/Cooling-System-Vacuum-Fillers-Kit-Cooling-System-Filler-Universal-P888852.aspx
@@InTheShop SnapOn makes nice tools but the price on this one is especially absurd: $278. The same tool from Schwaben is $74. www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/coolant-refill-air-purge-tool/003466sch01/ The quality probably is not as good as SnapOn but still good. I appreciate the video. Good job.
Absolutely they are on the higher end of the price. I linked to a cheaper option in the description of the video. I only shared the snapon part number because that’s the one I used and he asked specifically for that part number.
@@InTheShop I understand. I also understand that often times you get what you pay for, and with SnapOn, you're buying quality. Since your'e a professional mechanic, it's understandable why you would buy from SnapOn. In your business, time is money. You can't have tools failing and wasting your time. Great video. Keep up the good work.
Is it necessary for the system to be completely empty? Do the heater vents need to be completely open and on full hot?
As empty as you can get it. Key On, engine OFF, Heater temp on high, low fan
What air pressure do you use like psi on the compressor to evacuate the system to be safe and not destroy the system why don't any you talk about the psi on the compressor to use I get everything else but please mention the psi for your viewer's 40 psi - 90 psi ?
The air pressure isn’t as important as the level of vacuum you pull. The higher the air pressure though ~90psi the easier time the tool will have pulling a vacuum
So basically you just drain the radiator you do not have to drain the engine itself correct? Thank you!
No. This tool is NOT designed to avoid a proper draining procedure. You should follow manufacturers recommendations regarding how to drain all of the coolant. In most cases, that requires opening the radiator petcock or removing the lower radiator hose, in addition to removing the engine drain plugs.
How does this work for the radiators with no radiator cap?
Same process but you put the tool on the coolant bottle where you fill the coolant.
Can you vacuum out all the old coolant out with this tool ?
I don't think so.
So does the system always have to be empty when using this tool?
It doesn't but when its not you will start to suck up coolant once the air is all out.
@@InTheShop I tried it today and it would just suck a bit out then it would stop. I couldn't get it to hold pressure at all though. Just enough to refill the system. But not enough to test it.
@@luislozano1513 if it won’t hold pressure there is either still air in the system, you have a leak somewhere, or the tool isn’t sealed to the filler neck.
@@InTheShopyeah I just got back from driving it and the reservoir is way low. I think I'll have to just make time to actually drain it and do it the right way hopefully its just air. Also the rubber seals weren't great on my reservoir.
It works best if the system is as empty as possible. This tool is NOT designed to empty your system of coolant. If it catches a little coolant it is OK, but it is NOT designed to avoid draining your coolant out of the system.
This is all done when there is no coolant in the system correct ?
Correct. This is done after a complete drain of the system.
@@InTheShop you mean by draining the radiator and then you go and do the vacuum fill
g g correct
@@redskins8025 Drain the engine block as well.
Where I have to connect the unit in a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic Lt
I’m not sure of the connection point of every make and model produced but you will connect the tool to where you would normally poor coolant into.
Best way to remove the old coolant?
Depending on the vehicle there will be a drain.
pull the bottom hose and letter rip, otherwise there is a valve on the bottom corner of the radiator
Sorry but it's not a very clear explanation. Novice like me didn't understand cause you didn't actually explain which is which on that tool. But thank you for the video. I will acquire the tool and I'm sure reading the instruction manual will make me understand how. Thank you.
I apologize if I left something out. I tried to make the video more of an explanation of the use of the tool and not a 100% instruction. The reason I left a few details out is different manufacturers have slightly different controls but function the same way. If you buy the tool and have any questions feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to help you.
@@InTheShopthis is the popular one
your links isnt for the snap-on kit
Correct. That’s why I stated that the link is not the same manufacturer as I used in the video but the snapon brand can be purchased through your local snapon dealer.
Why do you crack it again once coolant is in the fill line?
I crack it again because you need to remove the air that was drawn in from the fill line before the coolant reached the tool.
I feel like its not necessary to do that i just crack it once and fill it up
@@420MRBlueberry It is necessary, you need to purge any air that will be introduced into the cooling system......if you just crack it all the air that was in that clear line will be sucked into the cooling system......defeats the purpose of the tool.
@@420MRBlueberry You are mistaken in your feeling. It takes just a minute or two to properly purge the fill hose of air prior to commencing the refill of the system. Why would you NOT do that in order to assure a successful repair?
LOL.. notice him HOLDING the tool in the radiator neck! no bueno
Yeah I noticed. Not sure why he didn't use the version with the Stanton cap screw like others have demonstrated on TH-cam. Give him credit though for at least purging the fill tube.