PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-636
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 636
NOVEMBER 2005
PS 636
NOV 05
16
Engine Cooling Systems…
A
n engine’s cooling system is probably the last thing you’re thinking about when
it’s freezing outside!
But no matter the temperature, your vehicle’s cooling system should be able to
reach 160 to 180°F. If yours won’t, have the thermostat checked. It may be stuck
open and need replacing.
A vehicle system that always runs at
more than 200°F also needs attention. A
bum thermostat, a clogged radiator, a bad
radiator cap or filthy coolant may be the
culprit. The engine’s air flow may even be
blocked.
To speed up heating in freezing weath-
er, you can partially cover the air intake
grilles on trucks with canvas when start-
ing the vehicle. Be sure to remove the
cover after the engine reaches operating
temperature.
Look at the radiator cap.
It should be the one your
TM calls for. Just any cap
won’t do. The pressure rat-
ing of the cap is vital. Too
low a rating lowers the boil-
ing point of your coolant.
Too high builds up pressure
that’ll pop radiator seams or
blow hoses.
Hoses need to be touched as well as looked at. They must withstand heat, pres-
sure and vibration. They’re rubber, so they rot, harden and crack with age. You need
both eyes and hands to detect bad hoses. Report any bad hoses that show these signs:
drivers, just
because it’s
cold
outside
doesn’t mean you
can ignore your
engine’s cooling
system.
hey!
that
temp gauge is
sure going up
quickly!
I’d hate
to be
stuck
out here.
man, I knew I
shoulda
checked the
cooling system!
what’s
that
sound?
I sure
hope the
wrecker
gets here
soon!
I’m right
where I
should
be!
Cap pressure
rating correct?
PUFFY
HARD (cracks are clues)
MUSHY
WET (or even damp)
PS 636
17
I’m sure glad
I pulled pm
on my truck’s
cooling system.
636.16-17(C).qxd
9/30/05
10:12 AM
Page 1
Click here for a copy of this article to save or email
Back to TopBack to Top
