Changed water pump... in retrospect should have just paid someone to do it. Unfortunately had a bunch of problems.. the plastic drain **** was lodged in the radiator and would not loosen. it was broken and left in there or I ended up breaking it trying to turn it counter clockwise like everyone said online. My hunch is dealer over tightened it just like they over torqued EVERYTHING! I went to go change my oil for the first time since buying from previous owner and holy $*#@ it was like thor put on the drain plug. Previous owner had all fluids changed at dealer right before selling car to me. Other issue I had installing water pump was one of the thermostat bolts decided to shear straight off while I was tightening it.. It wasnt even that tight, I couldnt believe it. Luckily there was enough material there to back it out with vise grips..

I bought a special hose clamp tool and that did help in the process. I found I did not need to fully remove the air intake nor did I have to remove the oil line thing that goes into the throttle body right about the water pump. I just undid the worm clamp on the throttle body, and the 2 plastic clips on the air intake and moved it to the side (without fully removing).

ANYWAY - to the question!

I read a few different methods of refilling the coolant system with coolant.. not sure what way is the "proper way".. I installed the new waterpump and put 2gal of dexcool in the surge tank. ran the car for a few minutes with the surge tank open. closed the surge tank, let the car get up to temp and then shut it off.. should I worry about air in the lines?

 

Just keep an eye on the coolant level in the reservoir and you should be good. You put about 2 gallons in which sounds about right for a simple drain and refill. A gallon or two will still be hiding in the block unless you can get to the drain plugs on the block itself.

 

When I refill one of these, I take off the vent line that is on the top of the radiator, it is located on the passengers side right at the top.

You take the 2 10mm bolts out of the shroud to get at the hose clamp or use long needle nose pliers to release the clamp

As you are filling the surge tank this hose is letting the air out as the engine is filling from below.

 

There is a procedure/service manual direction on refilling the system with coolant. Should be able to pull it up in a search...

Post number 2...good luck!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-coolant.html