Overheating
is caused by anything that leads to a loss of coolant, prevents the
cooling system from getting rid of heat, or causes excess heat in
the engine itself:
-
Coolant leaks (water pump, radiator, heater core, hoses, freeze
plugs, head gasket, engine internal).
-
Weak radiator cap (does not hold rated pressure and allows coolant
to boilover). Pressure test the cap to check it out.
-
Cooling system clogged (deposits built up in a radiator or in
engine due to maintenance neglect or use of hard water).
Use a cleaner, then reverse flush the system to clean it out.
A badly clogged radiator may need to be rodded out or replaced.
-
Thermostat stuck shut (replace).
-
Inoperative electric cooling fan (check fan motor, relay, and
temperature switch for correct operation).
-
Bad fan clutch (replace if slipping, leaking, or loose).
-
Missing fan shroud (reduces cooling efficiency of fan).
-
Slipping fan belt (tighten or replace).
-
Too low or too high a concentration of antifreeze (should be 50/50
for best cooling).
-
Bad water pump (impeller eroded or loose - replace pump).
-
Collapsed radiator hose (check lower hose).
-
Debris in the radiator (remove bugs and dirt).
-
Late ignition timing (reset to specs).
-
Restricted exhaust system (check intake vacuum readings and inspect
converter, muffler, and pipes).
-
Radiator and/or fan undersized for application (increase cooling
power by installing larger radiator and/or auxiliary cooling fan).
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