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Typical Problems with Your Vehicle’s Cooling System and Likely Causes in Santa Clara

Overheating usually occurs for one of the following reasons:
  • Insufficient amount of coolant in the system.
  • Defective or improperly adjusted drive belt.
  • Blocked radiator core.
  • Dirty or restricted radiator grille.
  • Faulty thermostat.
  • Improperly functioning fan.
  • Improper pressure. Have your radiator cap pressure tested by a gas station or repair shop.
  • Incorrect ignition timing.
  • Defective water pump.
  • Wrong grade of engine oil.
  • Inaccurate temperature gauge.

AC check service

Overcooling

Overcooling usually occurs for one of the two following reasons

  • Faulty thermostat.
  • Inaccurate temperature gauge.

External Coolant Leakage

External Coolant Leakage usually occurs for one of the following reasons:

  • Deteriorated or damaged hoses, or loose clamps at the hose connections.
  • Defective water pump seals. If this happens, water drips from the weep hole in the water pump body.
  • Leakage from the radiator core or header tank. If this is the case, the radiator must be professionally repaired.
  • Leaking engine drain plugs or water jacket freeze plugs.
  • Leakage from damaged gaskets or small cracks.
  • Damaged head gasket. To verify this, check the engine oil condition.

Internal Coolant Leakage

Internal Coolant Leakage usually occurs for one of the following reasons:

Note: You can detect internal coolant leaks by examining the oil. Check the dipstick and inside the rocker arm for water deposits and milkshake-like oil consistency.

  • Leaking cylinder head gasket. If this occurs, test the system pressure or remove the cylinder head and inspect.
  • Cracked cylinder bore or cylinder head. If this is the case, dismantle and inspect the engine.
  • Loose cylinder head bolts.
Pouring coolant

Abnormal Coolant Loss

Abnormal coolant loss usually occurs for one of the following reasons:

  • Overfilled system.
  • Coolant evaporation due to overheating.
  • Internal or external leakage.
  • Faulty radiator cap. If this is the case, have the cap pressure tested.
  • Engine compression is pressurizing the cooling system. A cracked head or block, or leaking head gasket (s) could cause this.

Poor Coolant Circulation

Poor coolant circulation usually occurs for one of the following reasons:

  • Inoperative water pump. To test, pinch the top radiator hose closed with hour hand while the engine idles, then release. If the pump is working properly, you should feel a surge of coolant.
  • Restriction in the cooling system. To fix, you should drain, flush, and refill the system. If necessary, remove the radiator and have it reverse flushed or professionally cleaned.
  • Loose water pump drive belt.
  • Sticking thermostat.
  • Insufficient coolant.

Corrosion

Corrosion usually occurs for one of the following reasons:

  • Excessive impurities in the water. We recommend you use soft water, rainwater, or distilled water.
  • Infrequently flushed and drained system. You should regularly drain and flush your cooling system to maintain optimum functioning and prevent corrosion.

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