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Car Cooling System
To make sure
that our vehicle’s cooling system doesn’t break down and leave
us stranded on the road, here is a check list to take a quick
look under the hood when you fill up your tank every so often to
look for possible problems that if found could save lots of
money in repair bills and prevent breaking down on the road.
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Check for external leaks.
Usual areas of leakage are water manifolds, radiator seams,
water pumps, freeze plugs and all hose connections. The
condition of radiator hoses should be carefully scrutinized
for possible deterioration from age and/or wear from rubbing
against accessory brackets, etc. Be aware that in many cases
radiator hoses wear from the inside out, so outside
appearance can be deceiving.
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Check for internal leaks.
Pull the oil
dipstick and check for evidence of coolant. It will show up
as minute droplets or sludge and should be easy to spot.
This could indicate a cracked head, block or blown head
gasket.
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Check the radiator.
This is the one component in your vehicle's cooling system
which can quickly diminish the efficiency and durability of
the engine. Check for obstructed air flow and clean any
debris from the fins. Also check the radiator mounting for
loose bolts or cracked brackets from vibration and stress.
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Check the cooling fan.
If the vehicle is equipped with a centrifugal thermo-static
type fan clutch, it is important to spot problems before
they occur. Check for wear by moving the fan blade back and
forth. Over 1/4" of play in either direction could point
towards excessive bearing wear. You should also turn the fan
by hand. If it free-wheels or there is a rough grating feel
as the fan turns, this could mean excessive fluid loss or
bearing wear respectively. If any of these conditions exist
or there is evidence of fluid leakage, the fan clutch should
be replaced. If the vehicle is equipped with an electric
cooling fan, a quick performance check can be made by
turning on the A/C and checking to make sure it operates
without excess vibration or noise. Also check all electrical
connections for signs of corrosion, or physical damage. With
the engine hot, check to see if the fan is coming on at the
correct temperature and operating properly.
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Check the coolant level and
conditions. As
a general rule the coolant level should be 1" to 2" below
the radiator filler neck when cool. Use an antifreeze tester
to determine the protection range of the coolant. It should
be at least adequate for the geographic area where you live.
If the coolant is over two years old or has rust in it,
system flushing and refilling with new antifreeze solution
is recommended and will be sufficient for most climates. The
two year replacement interval is necessary to maintain
proper rust inhibitor and other additive protection in the
cooling system.
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Check the radiator cap.
If your cap is rusted or the rubber seal is dried out, it
should be replaced. A pressure tester should be used to be
sure the cap is operating at the recommended pressure level.
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Check the thermostat.
Remove the radiator cap and start the engine. Insert a
suitable thermometer into the radiator neck. When the
coolant level drops in the radiator, the thermostat has
opened and is allowing circulation. Record the temperature
on the thermometer and compare to the thermostat
specifications. It should be no more than a few degrees
either way of the actual thermostat setting. If you are not
in the correct range, the thermostat will have to be
replaced. Be sure to install a new gasket and inspect the
thermostat seating area for corrosion and pitting.
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Check drive belts.
Visually inspect all belts for glazing or deterioration.
These conditions usually are caused by wear but can be
accelerated by improper adjustment, engine fluid spillage,
lubricant leakage or improper belt sizing. Check the vehicle
manufacturer's specification listing for proper belt size,
tension and/or deflection specifications.
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Check heater operation.
A quick functional testing of the heater unit can save a lot
of mid-season grief. Visually inspect all hoses for
deterioration from age and wear. Also make sure hoses are
not taut. This situation can cause leaks at the heater core.
Check the floor under the heater assembly for signs of
coolant loss. This could point towards a leaking heater
core. Also make sure to check the heater valve. Check vacuum
lines for leakage or deterioration. Lubricate all control
cables, such as the heater valve control cable, etc. Last
but not least, check all function switches and blower motor
switches for proper operation. Having basic cooling system
checks made during routine servicing can prevent costly
breakdowns and inefficient operation of equipment during
extreme climate conditions. Preventive maintenance is the
key to being able to drive your car longer while reducing
long term expenses.
Writing Credit: The Car Care Council
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