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How do I get the trapped air out of my 1930 194 cu.in. engine? That year engine does not have a thermostat. Should I use distilled water or antifreeze? I have the new style water pump

What year and model of car do you have?

Typically I drill a 1/8” hole near the edge of the thermostat to let the air bleed out of the block and head.

I use tap water and antifreeze in a 50/50 mixture.

Rusty give good advise here.

Alternative method is to let the engine warm up. When it reaches the temperature setting for your thermostat it will begin to open and the air will vent up and out through the top of the radiator. You can then "top it off" by adding more coolant to a level just above the flues (inch or so but not enough to completely fill the radiator) if you can see them or until you can see some coolant above the spreader. If you fill it completely up then it will seek its own hot level/depth and send overboard the excess coolant. Then check it every time you get gasoline or check the oil, etc. Generally, coolant will circulate as long as there is a sufficiency of it to not starve the water pump.

Best,

Charlie