how do you get all the air out of the coolant? Bleeding the system.

 

Once you have flushed and cleaned everything you wanna do this.
Fill up the rad. with the desired coolant/water mix. I like just get a gallon jug and fill it half with water and then half with coolant.

Fill up the rad and then start the car. Wait for it to start drinking the coolant...the engine that is. Then fill it up through the rad cap. After it stops drinking cap it. Then let it warm up. Then shut it down.

After it has cooled somewhat then take the rad cap off. If it is still hot USE A RAG TO REMOVE THE CAP. It will burn the hell out of you if the system is still pressurized!

Good luck and dont forget to the fill the coolant resivour.

James

 

Here ya go, I ripped it off 1300cc.com :-D

Coolant and thermostat change.

Every year you should change your coolant. If you don't remember the last time you changed your thermostat you should change that to; however you don't need to every year but it wouldn't hurt. To change the coolant you need to get under the front of the car and remove the black plastic bottom cover. It's held in with about ten 10mm bolts. After this is removed you can now see the radiator and the drain plug on the bottom. Before you drain it you should undo the cap so it drains out better and also turn the heater switch to full hot. Get a big drain pan because about 8 quarts or so will come out. After it drains out I filled it up with pure water and let it ran till it warmed up (with the heater still on hot) then I drained it again. It will take a few times of draining and refilling before you actually get all the old coolant out. Just keep in mind that you will never get it all the water out and since it's all water and you want a 50/50 water to antifreeze mix. You will want to add more antifreeze then coolant for the final fill. If you are going to change the thermostat do it now while it is drained. You want to remove the 3 bolts holding the pipe between the upper rad hose and the engine. Once you lift it up you will see the thermostat. Make sure the new one goes in the facing the right way. Only use a Factory Mazda one. Don't buy one from the local auto shop. After you fill it up the last time let in run for a little while and recheck it. It will probably need more. Also make sure your overflow bottom is filled to the line