Come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as he demonstrates the use of a "Coolant Air EVAC" tool. This is a tool that builds a vacuum in the cooling system and then draws in the coolant preventing "air locking" the cooling system. -Enjoy!
Astro 78585 Universal Radiator Pressure Tester and Vacuum Type Cooling System Kit: http://amzn.to/2xsrsQ5
UView 550000 Airlift Cooling System Leak Checker and Airlock Purge Tool Kit: http://amzn.to/2xsv0ll
OEMTOOLS 27066 Cooling System Refiller Kit: http://amzn.to/2wWCGuX
EPAuto Spill Proof Radiator Coolant Filling Funnel Kit: http://amzn.to/2xt9yNk
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

49 thoughts on “Tool time: the coolant air lift system”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TL Stanbro says:

    I assume you must drain your cooler system am I correct

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pure blood says:

    Can you use it on partially full system?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Mckeaigg says:

    I never see anyone purge that gulp of air in the filler hose..hmmm..great video👍

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charger677 says:

    What psi should my air compressor be when using the vacuum tool 🤔

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chelsea Sierra K. says:

    How much air pressure is needed?
    Need to know if a portable air tank would work,
    or is a certain size portable compressor required?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CASpe3dwurx _ says:

    I was today years old when i found out they say cripe in Avocado New York. Though it was just something us Northern Midwesterners said.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1000km/week says:

    I'm noticing from all the other You Tube mechanics out there you my friend are the only guy that goes to the engine and back to the camera lens to speak to you viewers eye to eye. Very personal and effective way of communicating to your viewers. Makes me think that you are talking to me directly. Allows you to connect to all your thousands of fans on a one on one platform. You are a smart Youtouber. Cheers.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Williams says:

    I’ve been a Heavy truck mechanic for years I wish I woulda found this method sooner 😂 no more bailing coolant from the pan and dumping it in

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sean McGuirk says:

    Isn't there a way to prime the coolant filler hose so the air in it doesn't get sucked into the system?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Sotomayor says:

    Thank you for explaining the venturi effect. you're the only one that has done that. Now I know I have to rent an air compressor.. or shop-air w/e since I'm doing this on a Mack dump truck. Thank you

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Harris says:

    Are you sucking air or pushing air in? I don't see any machine for doing this job.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bob often says:

    The Air Coolant Tool
    The JOB
    The Wife
    One sucks the best .
    One sucks the most .
    One just sucks .

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Orchids333 says:

    Rocket Surgeon. Classic!

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jerry Griffin says:

    Does the vacuum hold the thermostat open

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Proulx says:

    May try this tool on my 1990 ZR-1. Thanks, cool tool. 👍👍🏁

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ReclusiveMountainMan says:

    Does the bleeder have to be on/open?

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donald Durand says:

    Is the Ford 6.7 PSD a troublesome vehicle needing the air-lift?

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jr neff says:

    may never see this post but really thank you mr o and your family dang good people . I am or now live in west tn. even though I was born in Ithaca the last child born in the old hospital across the lake then they moved it I drove by you town a lot visiting family never new a 3 bay shop could produce the quaintly of work and family life as your shop as produced over the years my cousin runs phoenix in Lancaster Pate Neff super guy may have towed you some cars any way thank you and thank your family.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jr neff says:

    thks I buying it today

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bret Earwood says:

    Antifreeze always tastes like the coffee my wife makes me

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Glen Blair says:

    I've got a '92 Camaro with the TBI 305, and only 97k miles…every time I'd have to drain the coolant for whatever reason, it gets what I'm assuming is an air pocket in it, and it seems like it takes forever to get it to burp enough to finally finish topping it off…and yes, it makes a huge mess as well…would ya have any ideas what could cause it to do that, and what can I do to get it to stop?

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mvfd1224 says:

    Where do you get those jugs?

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ablackformula says:

    What about the air that's in the hose before the first drop of antifreeze is drawn through? I feel that just introduced an air pocket into the system (similar to purging/drawing a vacuum on a/c hoses.) Is there a way to evacuate the hose before beginning?

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gregg Schulz says:

    Seen a lot of videos saying this is almost always required on some of the newer ford SUVs and trucks because the heater core is the highest point in them.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars james hintergardt says:

    I drain all that extended life antifreeze out of my vehicles. I like to use the John Deere coolant.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dnl machine says:

    Does thermostat position (open or closed) affect this process?
    Great vids EO!

    Stay gold.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars athhud says:

    Aren’t you fancy with your little factory tool truck tool! I made my own “air lift” with an old radiator cap and some brass fittings/valves. I can use my Robinair Venturi style vacuum pump, my Mityvac, my electric HVAC style vacuum pump, or even a Milton siphon-feed blow gun. I would only ever use the Mityvac in a “post-apocalyptic don’t waste the fuel scenario” lol manual pumping is for the birds. The downside of using the electric pump is the oil needs to be changed immediately afterward (which you are suppose to be doing after AC evacs anyway, according to the manufacturer, but who does?). The Venturi pump works fine, but I hate hearing a compressor run, so the electric pump is my go to. If I have more than $20 in the whole setup I’d be surprised, probably closer to $10. I used R12 style flare fittings so it would work with the HVAC pumps. The only other thing I had to buy was a ball valve. Had I been thinking ahead, I didn’t even need the ball valve. The setup works perfectly with an old set of manifold gauges. It’s just like charging an AC system and has the vacuum gauge and valves built right in!

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tony cotta says:

    Eric I use it all the time it is a time saver great Video.Use a 5 gallon pale with a fittlng at the bottom helps keep air out the line at start up

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Juan C says:

    Could you use an ac evacuation pump with it? Cause a diyer might not have shop air.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars davecc0000 says:

    What brand coolant do you use generally, Eric? I saw you used Zerex in one vid.

    Recommendation Eric?

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alex Rodriguez says:

    Will this work with coolant in system or do I need to drain

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lex Alford says:

    I don’t think that it would buy a vehicle that would require that because if I cannot fix it in the driveway or a parking lot then I don’t want it to blow a leak in a radiator hose late at night or a Sunday afternoon because the shops are all closed so I will just find another hose and fix it right there and fill it with water and get home and make it right there with a new hose and coolant for it if it air locks inside the engine I will sell and get a older car

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Twobarpsi says:

    So you still have to get under the car to drain out the fluid first right?

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mo Petron says:

    do you have to make sure all coolant is out?

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars thebanjoman1963 says:

    Maybe I don't understand this tool but when you open the valve to add the coolant, if the line is filled with air before the coolant starts flowing, aren't you putting air back into the system ??

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Majors Jr. says:

    Could you use it to pull the coolant, and pull a vacuum in the same step?🤔

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fussy mechanic says:

    I had that same air lift and it sucks. get the uvw550500 it is a wonderful tool. you will use it every time you have coolant loss on a repair.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SheerWill Survival says:

    Lol love your videos but ahh you just gave your wife a out if she wants to poison you with antifreeze don’t get that in your mouth it only takes a tablespoon spoon to start killing your kidneys and it stays in your system in crystal form hope you don’t do that a lot brother

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SogySeal says:

    The funny thing about vacuum is all it is an absence of atmospheric pressure switch is around 14psi. Theres no way this could hurt anything.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Franks Garage and customs says:

    Just battled with an olds 3.5. Man that sucked. Im ordering an airlift tomorrow.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GNX157 says:

    So does this tool help evacuate the cooling system any better or do you still drain it like always? Is its main purpose just load in the coolant a bit faster than the normal way? Does it help keep the system from getting air pockets or the need to be bled? If the vacuum runs low during the fill phase can you pause and hook the air system back up and pull the vacuum down again and restart the fill process?

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JT H says:

    HI Mr O…. Time for a little science… 1 atmosphere is 14.7 pounds more or less…. 30" inches of vacuum is basically 0 psi absolute. So 0 psi gauge pressure is actually 14.7 psi absolute. So now having said all that, we can see that if you pull a full 30" of vacuum the actual pressure on the outside of the system is only 14.7 psi… another way of saying it is – you have just removed one atmosphere from your system – since you can not obtain 30 " of vacuum with your evacuation system you can never even get to the full 14.7 psi external pressure. Normal operating pressure of the sealed radiator will be up to about 15 or so pounds maybe more. So you can see that 30" of vacuum puts less stress on the system then standard cooling system operating pressure. So basically what happens is when you pull the vacuum your removing the air from the inside… some smart guy once said that pressure always moves from the high pressure to the low pressure… the atmospheric air pressure pushes the coolant into the system that has no pressure in it. Since there is NO pressure in the system there can be no Back Pressure that will stop the coolant or create air locks… that is why the vacuum systems fill so well…. one other little bit of food for thought…. If you pull a big vacuum on a system you actually lower the boiling point of water…. so if you have pulled a big vacuum on a system and you wait several minutes before trying to fill while your checking for leaks…. don't get worried about a pressure rise…. a vacuum will cause water to vaporize and cause your vacuum to deteriorate …. remember your AC theory…. you pull a vacuum on a system to remove the moisture from it…. That's my story and I'm sticking to it…. Keep up the good work guy… Love your videos.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MIKE CONT says:

    Great tool. Thanks for passing knowledge.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars eyesalooking says:

    I know that this video has been up for quite awhile but it was just what I was looking for. I looked at the pictures that came with my new UView Airlift Part @550000 (made in Canada) but your video explained it better. I have a 1993 Ranger that won't come up to normal temperature so I suspect an airlock. Thanks for posting.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jacob Dellinger says:

    suck the heater core together lmbo!!!!!!!!!!!!

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Willie Gillie says:

    Them dang heater cores tip and turn in so many directions. One thing to watch is when the vehicle begins to warm up the heater core should have/better be putting the heat out through the vents inside the car. If your blowing cold air inside the car/truck when the temp gauge starts going up(or if it isn’t registering)Shut that bugger down !! Release that pressure after it cools and refill the radiator.
    Or get you one of them vacuum fill gizmos Eric just showed us.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Ed Axeman says:

    So you like Dirty Jugs???

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Evan says:

    Question. Do you need to burp the hose that goes into the coolant container before you open up the valve to draw the coolant in? Because at first the hose is empty so when you first open up the valve to start drawing the coolant in wouldn't there be that little bit of initial air being sucked in?

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ted EnderPalmer says:

    Eric, have you ever used Evans coolant?

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