Car Overheating

(Servicing a cooling system should be performed by a certified automotive professional only!)

(always wear protective safety goggles and gloves before work begins)

(never work or service a vehicle while it is overheating or hot, always let  it cool thoroughly before inspection or repair)

A vehicle cooling system is a vital part of the engine operation. Engine coolant is pumped inside the engine with a water pump, which is driven by a multi rib belt, timing belt, or timing chain. The heated coolant is passed through the radiator for cooling. The thermostat stops the coolant from flowing when the engine is cold, when the coolant is at operating temperature the thermostat opens and allows the coolant to flow and cool the engine. Most car engines operate at 195 degrees Fahrenheit, this temperature provides optimum economy and performance.

When a car over heats, one of three things have occurred. First, your car has run low of coolant, this means you either have a external coolant leak, (water pump, coolant hose, radiator) or there is an internal engine coolant leak (head gasket, intake manifold gasket, cracked cylinder head, cracked cylinder block). Second, there is some kind of coolant flow hindrance, a plugged radiator, a water pump not functioning properly, the engine coolant thermostat is stuck closed and not allowing the coolant to flow. And third, there is a air flow restriction not allowing air the pass through the radiator. Air is used to transfer heat from the coolant in the radiator. Plastic bag stuck in the front of the radiator, dirt and debris and the cooling fins of the radiator will cause over heating.

Over heating can cause severe and catastrophic engine failure. While over heating, the pistons inside the engine swell in the cylinder block causing cylinder wall scoring, the cylinder heads will crack, and finally the engine block itself will crack. Check and service your vehicles cooling system regularly.

How to Change a Radiator

The vehicles radiator is the component that removes heat from the engine through thermo heat exchange and is usually located in the front of the vehicle under the hood. The engine creates heat from the internal combustion that continuously occurs inside the engine, this heat is transferred to the engine coolant, then circulated through the thermostat then to the radiator. Inside the radiator there are many small tubes with cooling fins attached that allows the coolant to be cooled and then returned to the engine in a continuous cycle. Radiators are mostly made of 2 plastic tanks and a aluminum core. (IMPORTANT! A cooling system can have up to 15 p.s.i. when hot, only repair or check when ENGINE IS COLD!) (personal injury can result) (READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING!)

1. Identify Radiator Removal Points Cooling System Components (top)

The thermostat housing is where the thermostat resides, it is connected to the radiator upper tank. The system is filled and checked at the radiator cap (IMPORTANT! A cooling system can have up to 15 p.s.i. when hot, only repair or check when ENGINE IS COLD!) personal injury can result. The radiator is help in place by the radiator holder brackets and is usually near the top radiator tank. Some radiator configuration may very slightly in appearance but the concept is the same. (Wear protective gloves and eyewear when replacing.)

2. Disconnect Negative Battery Terminal

Make sure the ignition key is in the off position, loosen the terminal pinch bolt and disconnect the battery terminal. (gloves suggested). Anytime you perform repair work like this it is a good idea to disconnect the battery to avoid electrical short circuits. Always disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid a short to ground and NEVER let the wrench contact to positive side of the battery. Make sure the battery is clean at all times, if corrosion exists rinse battery with water (hose) and sprinkle with baking soda to naturalize the remaining acid.