To check the cooling system:
- check the strength of fastening of all hoses and pipes on the radiator, liquid pump, thermostat housing, expansion tank and heating system;
- condition of rubber tubes and hoses;
- tightness of the radiator;
- operation of the thermostat;
- the operation of the electric fan;
- condition of the liquid pump and stuffing box on its shaft;
- the condition of the expansion tank cap.
Engine overheating
If the indication arrow reaches the red mark for a short time, then this is considered normal for the following operating modes:
- the movement of the car with a maximum load, in the mountains or in a column at a high temperature of the outside air;
- when starting a very hot engine;
- in a traffic jam with an automatic transmission (because of the oil cooler. Recommendation: often shift the lever to the position «N»).
If the indicator arrow is beyond the red mark for a long time, stop driving, stop the engine and check the following:
- water pump drive (only if it is separately actuated);
- coolant level;
- good thermostat (if the thermostat is defective, the radiator feels cold to the touch, while, for example, the thermostat housing is already very hot);
- fan serviceability.
If all these checks did not reveal any deviations from the norm, then the radiator is faulty and must be replaced.
Checking the coolant
Pic. 131. Coolant density measurement
Before the onset of the cold season, check the coolant. To do this, remove the cap of the expansion tank, select a certain amount of liquid with a densimeter (pic. 131) and determine the content of antifreeze in the liquid by its density.
Note: Use only branded antifreeze. If the malfunction occurs due to the use of other brands of antifreeze, the warranty is not valid.
Visitor comments