To check the cooling system:
- check the tightness of all hoses and pipes on the radiator, liquid pump, thermostat housing, expansion tank and heating system;
- condition of rubber tubes and hoses;
- radiator tightness;
- thermostat operation;
- operation of the electric fan;
- the condition of the liquid pump and the seal on its shaft;
- condition of the expansion tank cap.
Engine overheating
If the indicator arrow reaches the red mark briefly, this is considered normal for the following operating modes:
- driving a vehicle with maximum load, in the mountains or in a convoy at high outside temperatures;
- when starting a very hot engine;
- in a traffic jam with an automatic transmission (due to the oil cooler. Recommendation: shift the lever to the "N" position more often).
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 driven separately);
- coolant level;
- the thermostat is working properly (if the thermostat is faulty, the radiator is cold to the touch, while, for example, the thermostat housing is already very hot);
- the fan is in good working order.
If all the above checks do not reveal any deviations from the norm, then the radiator is faulty and must be replaced.
Checking the coolant
Fig. 131. Measuring the density of the coolant
Before the cold season, check the coolant. To do this, remove the expansion tank cap, take a certain amount of liquid with a densimeter (Fig. 131) and determine the antifreeze content 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.
[This article was borrowed from the website: fordbook.ru]