Vacuum Fill Cooling System

The vacuum coolant system fill method is the best way to get all of the air out of a Pantera's cooling system. You can purchase a complete kit that will service just about any vehicle made and it will also allow you to pressure test your system.

Okay, thanks!  I purchased the vacuum fill kit over the weekend but have not used it yet.   Looking forward to giving it a try.

Yes, I tried many times and my 80 year old mechanic working on used the vacuum and has been great

Thanks Dave, I appreciate the insight!

I use the vacuum fill kit too.  If you mix your own coolant/water, do that ahead of time in a 5 gallon bucket.  Let it sit to allow the air bubbles to dissipate. Drop your fill hose in the bucket and watch the show.

Mike

I just did this on my 1972.  I had pulled the engine and trans to address numerous leaks, upgrade the water pump and thermostat, and really clean up the engine compartment.

I used the Astro 78585 bleeding kit that I purchased off of Amazon.  You need an air compressor to create the vacuum but it worked great.  Car now runs nice and cool.

I have a LS swapped 1967 Camaro that will be right behind it to be vacuum filled.

Make sure you have a 5 gallon bucket full of coolant that start and that you keep the hose submerged in coolant so you don't suck air into the cooling system.

Just wish I knew about this tool sooner.

Good info.  Question, does the kit also remove the old coolant, meaning can you use it to suck out all the old?  If not, what is the best method for draining the car before you refill?  thanks

It does not drain.  Separate the coolant tube/hose by the steering rack to drain.

got it

The vacuum system works great, but you want to drain the system to get new antifreeze in place. My setup also has a gauge that measures line/vacuum pressure, so that you can also tell if you have any air leaks. I have used it on multiple cars including my Porsche Turbo that takes up to 7 gallons (approx) of antifreeze. Worked great there as well with remote radiators and multiple cooling lines, not unlike the setup for a Pantera.

Rick

Rick - which vacuum system do you use?
(I traded a Porsche 997 turbo for my Pantera!).

I have the Schwaben cooling system evacuation tool. It comes with the gauges and different fittings. I was surprised how effectively/easily it works.

Traded my Porsche last year as well,  given what was happening with the market. I had been looking/thinking about Panteras since I saw one in '75. Don't know why it took so long, but pretty happy with this car ( mid 1971) and really looking forward to bringing this car back to life.

Still kick myself for letting the 930 go years back, but who knew what the market would do.

Rick

Thanks for all the feedback!    Good to know the process has been tried and tested and works well on the Pantera.  I look forward to trying it once I am ready to refill my cooling system

Thomas

Question for those with one of these vacuum fill systems - what air pressure do you run to the Venturi?  I bought the OEMTools unit 24444 and the only reference I can find is on an Amazon page which says "standard 70 - 100 psi" working pressure.  I don't consider 100 psi "standard" by any means.  Thanks for your input.

As an update, I spoke with OEM.  They said 90 PSI input pressure - fyi.