Keeping Your Cool
Keep your car cool, keep your house cool, keep your cool work
Your engine runs best at a hot temperature, but overheating, caused
by loss of coolant or overpressure, can damage engine parts and cause
you real headaches. Older cars can be particularly prone to overheating,
but this is largely the result of inadequate maintenance rather than a
production failing. Fans, hoses, belts, the radiator and water pump all
need regular attention to ensure they are in tact and functioning well.
As soon as you notice that your temperature gauge is running a bit higher
than usual, take the time to inspect your engine and address any problems
before they cause an overheating disaster that damages other engine components.
Belts and Hoses
Any frayed or cracked hoses must be replaced. Also, check the connections;
if any are loose, replace the whole hose. Check for signs of swelling
as well. It’s a good idea to check over all the hoses and belts when you
do your regular oil change. All belts and hoses ought to be replaced roughly
every five years.
The Radiator
Clean off dirt and bugs from the front panel. Check for any leaks, which
will manifest as green or white deposits on tubes or the tank. You can
weld these cracks rather than use radiator sealant, which can itself lead
to more problems by interfering with water flow.
Make sure that your radiator cap washer is being replaced fro time to
time too.
Check for inner blockages by disconnecting the lower hose and running
water into the top; the water should run out of the radiator at the same
speed that you are pouring it in. If not, back flush the radiator to unblock
inner cooling tube. You may need to do this a few times to clear everything
out.
The Thermostat
Your thermostat controls the movement of coolant through the engine, keeping
it out when the engine is cool and allowing it to flow as the engine heats
up. If the thermostat fails, and coolant doesn’t run into a heating engine,
the car will overheat very quickly. If you haven’t found any problems
with the belts and hoses or the radiator, it may be time to replace your
thermostat.
The Freeze Plugs
These prevent the engine from freezing, and can be found on either side
of the engine. Over time, water starts to leak from these points; if you
can see that water has been leaking, replace the plugs.
The Head Gasket
A blown head gasket causes coolant leaks, and you will find coolant in
your oil, or oil in your coolant. Your engine will overheat if this problem
persists, so keep an eye on your fluids to catch this problem as it occurs.
Check the Timing and Adjust the Carburetor
Make sure these are adjusted to suit the specifications of the manufacturer.
While these are not part of the engine’s cooling system, problems with
engine timing and the carburetor can be a cause of overheating.