Tools
needed: Flat
head screwdriver or nut driver, ratchet and socket,
possibly a scraper and rag if you replace the thermostat.
Time needed: 25 minutes
Notes
and Precautions: Although
you will need to view the fluid in the radiatior with
the cap removed, never remove the cap once the vehicle
is started. Remove the radiator cap only when the vehicle
is cold.
Although
many things can cause overheating, checking the circulation
at the water pump and thermostat can often lead you
to the source of your problems
Check
your Circulation |
If
you've heard the the noisy groans of the water pump
before your overheating problem began, you can almost
bet it is the culprit. A noisy water pump can be
checked by removing the fan belt that drives it
and turning on the engine. If the noise is no longer
present, your water pump is on its last leg. |
Even
if you have not heard anything, it's still a good idea
to check your circulation. The easiest check is to start
up your vehicle with the radiator cap removed. As your
engine heats up, the thermostat should open and you'll
immediately notice the flow of fluid through the radiator.
If your vehicle overheats and you have no fluid moving
through the radiator, you definitely have a circulation
problem. (If you have circulation but are still overheating,
check our Overheating Quick
Fixes here.)
After
you let the car cool down, you need to determine whether
your thermostat or pump is at fault.
Testing
the thermostat will enable you to determine what is
the root cause of your problem. To test it, remove it
from the vehicle and place it in a pan of water. (If
you need help removing the thermostat visit Change
Your Thermostat.) Check its specs in a Chiltons
or service manual and begin heating the water. Note
the temperature it opens and check it against the specs.
If it opens late, partially, or not at all, it is most
likely the cause of your problem.
If
the thermostat checks out, but you have no flow to the
radiator your water pump is bad. Unfortunately, there's
not too much you can do except replace it.
If
you need more heating and cooling advice and tips, check
the Jonko Engine Repair Forum.
Related:
Change
Your Thermostat
Overheating
Quick Fixes
