Purging Air From Intercooler - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

crazydave · 03-09-2013, 02:44 PM

Just installed my new KDI heat exchanger. Is there an easy way to make sure all the air is out of the system? I opened the vent port on the HE until the AF came out when I filled it, but that's nowhere near the highest point in the system. Any tricks? I know this has been done before.

Stephen12ZL1 · 03-10-2013, 08:43 AM

the little cap on the top hat of the supercharger needs to be removed and filled at that point as it is the highest point. Turn the fitting straight up to fill and return it to the left after it is filled. You should consider getting the reservoir kit from LPE which uses a rotofab unit and holds about a gallon of extra fluid. That way the IC circuit purges itself once it is filled. Approx $200. http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...5#.UTyN-Yy9KSM

ToddB · 03-10-2013, 12:44 PM

When I installed my whipple intercooler I put a shop vac over the fill cap hole and it creates a vacuum. Then top it off a little and do it a few times till all the air is out. Run the car repeat if necessary.

Stephen12ZL1 · 03-10-2013, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToddB

When I installed my whipple intercooler I put a shop vac over the fill cap hole and it creates a vacuum. Then top it off a little and do it a few times till all the air is out. Run the car repeat if necessary.

good idea

Azzkker · 03-10-2013, 03:27 PM

If you have a big gulp with the windsheid resivor relocation kit, all the I/C resevoir kits that mount on the left strut tower behind the CAI will not work as thats where the washer tank in the kit goes.

I use a kit like this at work. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalogThis thing works great. Hook an air line up to it. turn a valve, let it build up a vaccume on the gauge, the turn the valve to pull all your new coolant out of the container till the system is full to the top.

Works every time.

crazydave · 03-10-2013, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

the little cap on the top hat of the supercharger needs to be removed and filled at that point as it is the highest point. Turn the fitting straight up to fill and return it to the left after it is filled. You should consider getting the reservoir kit from LPE which uses a rotofab unit and holds about a gallon of extra fluid. That way the IC circuit purges itself once it is filled. Approx $200. http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...5#.UTyN-Yy9KSM

Yeah, that's how I filled the system, but it was bubbling while i was filling it leaving me to think that air can remain trapped in the line.

I am still on the fence about the LPE tank due to its placement next to the exhaust manifolds, seems like it would defeat the purpose of reducing heat soak. I am hoping a manufacturer comes out with one in a better location such as where the WW bottle sits, or an area that area gets plenty of airflow.

BTW, that trick with the vacuum is a neat idea!

Stephen12ZL1 · 03-10-2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazydave

Yeah, that's how I filled the system, but it was bubbling while i was filling it leaving me to think that air can remain trapped in the line.

I am still on the fence about the LPE tank due to its placement next to the exhaust manifolds, seems like it would defeat the purpose of reducing heat soak. I am hoping a manufacturer comes out with one in a better location such as where the WW bottle sits, or an area that area gets plenty of airflow.

BTW, that trick with the vacuum is a neat idea!

the LPE unit isn't at all close to the exhaust manifolds...it is tapered at the bottom...look at the pic. It is ABS plastic and mine is great...very satisfied with fit.

crazydave · 03-10-2013, 05:18 PM

I see what you mean. Maybe I will give it a try. The ease of monioring the fluid in the system is a great benefit. The KDI HE added a little over 2 qts to the system from what i can tell (spilled some of the stock fluid taking system apart). Its my goal to be able to run the car with only 15 min cool downs between 1/4 mile passes and not lose a bunch of HP due to high IATs. I was seeing a drop of 4 MPH hot verses cold. I have HP tuners scan software on the way so i will be able to see how bad it really is.

Stephen12ZL1 · 03-10-2013, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazydave

I see what you mean. Maybe I will give it a try. The ease of monioring the fluid in the system is a great benefit. The KDI HE added a little over 2 qts to the system from what i can tell (spilled some of the stock fluid taking system apart). Its my goal to be able to run the car with only 15 min cool downs between 1/4 mile passes and not lose a bunch of HP due to high IATs. I was seeing a drop of 4 MPH hot verses cold. I have HP tuners scan software on the way so i will be able to see how bad it really is.

You will hardly need a cool down at all. Hot lapping my car will not lose anything et or mph on a 60 degree day. The extra gallon of fluid is a big help.

03-09-2013, 02:44 PM	#1
crazydave Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Belleville, Il Posts: 269 View My Garage	Purging Air From Intercooler Just installed my new KDI heat exchanger. Is there an easy way to make sure all the air is out of the system? I opened the vent port on the HE until the AF came out when I filled it, but that's nowhere near the highest point in the system. Any tricks? I know this has been done before.

03-10-2013, 08:43 AM	#2
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,808	the little cap on the top hat of the supercharger needs to be removed and filled at that point as it is the highest point. Turn the fitting straight up to fill and return it to the left after it is filled. You should consider getting the reservoir kit from LPE which uses a rotofab unit and holds about a gallon of extra fluid. That way the IC circuit purges itself once it is filled. Approx $200. http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...5#.UTyN-Yy9KSM __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)

03-10-2013, 12:44 PM	#3
ToddB Drives: 2011 2SS Convertible Supercharged Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: WI Cert Welder Navy NSSN Posts: 1,157	When I installed my whipple intercooler I put a shop vac over the fill cap hole and it creates a vacuum. Then top it off a little and do it a few times till all the air is out. Run the car repeat if necessary.

03-10-2013, 03:27 PM	#5
Azzkker Drives: 2013 AGM ZL1, 99 z28, 89 iroc-z Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Decatur, IL Posts: 249	If you have a big gulp with the windsheid resivor relocation kit, all the I/C resevoir kits that mount on the left strut tower behind the CAI will not work as thats where the washer tank in the kit goes. I use a kit like this at work. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalogThis thing works great. Hook an air line up to it. turn a valve, let it build up a vaccume on the gauge, the turn the valve to pull all your new coolant out of the container till the system is full to the top. Works every time.

03-10-2013, 05:18 PM	#8
crazydave Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Belleville, Il Posts: 269 View My Garage	I see what you mean. Maybe I will give it a try. The ease of monioring the fluid in the system is a great benefit. The KDI HE added a little over 2 qts to the system from what i can tell (spilled some of the stock fluid taking system apart). Its my goal to be able to run the car with only 15 min cool downs between 1/4 mile passes and not lose a bunch of HP due to high IATs. I was seeing a drop of 4 MPH hot verses cold. I have HP tuners scan software on the way so i will be able to see how bad it really is.