[daopdyke]

Drained and refilled the coolant from the drain on the rad. Filled up cooling system using funnel and ran van while filling coolant until all air stopped coming out. No heat from heater and thermostat bounces from hot to cold and cooling system will not take more coolant. Is there a trick to getting the air out?
Thanks

 

[jlh1960]

Try giving the hoses a few squeezes while the engine is running (when thermostat is open and radiator cap loose) and see if that doesn’t help. Is the return hose warm? Once you get the big bubbles out the system keep an eye on the overflow tank to see what gets sucked back in over the next week and refill the tank to the proper level.

 

[ericreyn]

Got any steep hills around? If so park it nose high at operating temp. Let it run for a few that way.
I dont know if that vintage has an air bleed, but the 2009 does. It is on top of the engine to let the trapped air out after a coolant change.

 

[3Wheelerguy]

Need to know the year. IF it is a GEN1 (1998-2003). These engines are not known for air pockets and are very easy to bleed.
There is no air bleed on GEN1.

 

[circus]

Air in cooling system

Original thermostat has a tiny vent. Might be someone installed one that's not vented.

thermostat gauge bounces from hot to cold

Hopefully after replacing coolant? Gauge bouncing can be a symptom of a blown head gasket.

 

[joelle king]

Try giving the hoses a few squeezes while the engine is running (when thermostat is open and Tutuapp 9Apps radiator cap loose) and see if that doesn’t help. Is the return hose warm? Once you get the big bubbles out the system keep an eye on the overflow tank to see what gets sucked back in over the next week and refill the tank to the proper level.

that's a good technic