Car Parts and Accessories

Your car’s engine can self-destruct without proper cooling. The main parts of the cooling system are the radiator, pressure cap, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fan, and fan belt. The systemshould be filled year-round with a 50/50 or 60/40 mixture of antifreeze and water. A 50/50 mixture provides prote^ction to about-34 degrees Fahrenheit, while undiluted antifreeze freezes at about-8 degrees. If the coolant level is low, or any of the other components fail, the engine can overheat.

If the temperature light comes on (or the gauge starts to rise) and the air conditioning is running, first turn off the air conditioner. Allow about a minute for the light to go out. If it doesn’t, find a place to park, set the parking brake, put the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL and raise the hood. Now gently press on the gas pedal to increase the idle speed of the engine slightly. The engine should start to cool. If not, turn on your heater and blower. The heater pulls some of the heat away from the engine. If the temperature gauge drops, continue on your way, but at a slower speed.

If the radiator starts boiling, quickly find a place to park and turn off the engine. Raise the hood, but don’t touch anything. If you open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, the sudden release of pressure will cause the coolant to boil. You or a bystander could be scalded severely.

When the radiator has cooled, fold a rag to several thicknesses and place it over the radiator cap. Slowly turn the cap until you feel it come to the first notch. Stop there until the pressure in the radiator is released. Now remove the cap and start the engine. Slowly fill the radiator with water, then replace the cap. Check the system to locate the problem. After the repair, refill the system with the proper mixture of antifreeze and water.

For emergencies, keep a roll of silver duct tape in a corner of the trunk. It can be used to patch a ruptured hose until you get to a repair facility. If a hose is leaking, turn the radiator cap to the first notch to relieve the pressure. Make sure the hose is dry, then tightly wrap several turns of duct tape over the break in the hose. This temporary fix just might keep you from being stranded on the side of the road.

Step 5-1. Checking the coolant level.

If the car has a coolant recovery system, you should find a plastic tank somewhere near the radiator. Check the coolant level using the marks on the side of the plastic tank. Add coolant to the tank, not the radiator. If the plastic tank is empty, or if the car does not have a coolant recovery system, let the radiator cool, and then remove the cap to check the level.

Step 5-2. Removing the cap.

If the system is the least bit warm, cover the radiator cap with a folded cloth. Turn the cap to the first notch to release the pressure. When the hissing stops, push down on the cap with the heel of your hand and turn it the rest of the way. If the cap has a lever, lift the lever to release the pressure. Remove the cap. The coolant levelcoolant should be 1 or 2 inches below the filler neck.

Step 5-3. Checking the cap.

Check the cap for a worn or cracked gasket. If it is damaged, install a new cap. The caps for radiators with recovery systems are not interchangeable. Be sure to buy the proper cap for your system. Check for rust on the cap and inside the filler neck on the radiator. Flush the system if you find any rust.

Step 5-4. Draining the radiator.

First make sure the engine is cool. Remove the radiator cap and place a clean pan under the drain petcock or plug. Turn the petcock counterclockwise to open it. Use a wrench to remove a drain plug. If the radiator does not have a petcock or plug, place the pan under the bottom radiator-hose connection. Loosen the clamp and twist the hose from the neck of the radiator. After the radiator has drained, close the petcock or reinstall the plug or bottom hose.

Step 5-5. Flushing the system.

After the radiator has drained, fill it with clean water and install the pressure cap. Set the parking brake and put the transmission in NEUTRAL or PARK. Start the engine and turn the heater on high. Let the engine idle for a few minutes. Then, being careful of the fan, feel the top radiator hose. When the hose gets hot, the thermostat has opened and water is circulating through the engine. Allow the engine to idle a few more minutes, then turn it off and drain the system again. Repeat the steps (filling the radiator, running the engine, and draining) until the drained water runs clear. Four or five times should be enough. If the radiator has a coolant recovery system, flush the plastic tank with clean water and leave it empty. Close the petcock or reinstall the plug or bottom hose.

Step 5-6. Filling the radiator.

Check your owner’s manual to determine the capacity of your cooling system. Depending on the car, it might hold between 5 and 13 quarts of coolant. Pour in the correct amount of antifreeze to provide a 50/50 or 60/40 mixture of antifreeze and water. Add water to bring the level within an inch or two of the filler neck. Start the engine with the radiator cap off and let the engine run for about 15 minutes. Turn off the engine and check the coolant level. If your car has a coolant recovery system, the level should be at the overflow tube and at the full mark on the plastic tank. Without the recovery system, the level should be 1 or 2 inches below the filler neck. Add antifreeze and water to bring the coolant to the proper level. Install the radiator cap.

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