Coolant into radiator

[PapaMurph3218]

I have an 89 bronco 2 with the 2.9l. I replaced the thermostat, upper and lower radiator hoses and it has a brand new radiator. I’m trying to fill up my bronco and with a spill kit funnel but it keeps leaking from the hose that runs to the reservoir I was wonder if anyone has any tips to help that from happening cause I can’t get the air bubbles out and my engine and radiator start to smoke up. Thanks for the help

 

[cbxer55]

Take the thermostat off and fill it through that opening.

 

[RobbieD]

but it keeps leaking from the hose that runs to the reservoir

That overflow hose has to be water-tight and air-tight, or else you can't maintain a full cooling system. The radiator pressure cap lets the fluid out (regardless whether it goes into the reservoir tank or on the ground) but it'll suck air back into the system after it cools if it's not air-tight.

Replace the hose if it's bad or old, and use a small hose clamp at the radiator end, if needed.

When I refill a drained cooling system, I fill the radiator first, leave the cap off, then finish filling with a funnel through both heater hoses, disconnected at the firewall. Reconnect the heater hoses, cap the radiator, drive it a little and then top the coolant off.