COOLING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COOLING
OPERATION—COOLING SYSTEM ...........1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
CHECKS .............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING
SYSTEM .............................2
ACCESSORY DRIVE .......................5
ENGINE ................................9
COOLING
OPERATION—COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system regulates engine operating tem-
perature. It allows the engine to reach normal oper-
ating temperature as quickly as possible. It also
maintains normal operating temperature and pre-
vents overheating.
The cooling system also provides a means of heat-
ing the passenger compartment and cooling the auto-
matic transmission fluid (if equipped). The cooling
system is pressurized and uses a centrifugal water
pump to circulate coolant throughout the system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
CHECKS
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM OVERHEATING
Establish what driving conditions caused the com-
plaint. Abnormal loads on the cooling system such as
the following may be the cause:
• PROLONGED IDLE
• VERY HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
• SLIGHT TAIL WIND AT IDLE
• SLOW TRAFFIC
• TRAFFIC JAMS
• HIGH SPEED OR STEEP GRADES
Driving techniques that avoid overheating are:
• Idle with A/C off when temperature gauge is at
end of normal range.
• Increasing engine speed for more air flow is rec-
ommended.
TRAILER TOWING:
Consult Trailer Towing section of owners manual.
Do not exceed limits.
AIR CONDITIONING; ADD-ON OR AFTER MARKET:
A maximum cooling package should have been
ordered with vehicle if add-on or after market A/C is
installed. If not, maximum cooling system compo-
nents should be installed for model involved per
manufacturer’s specifications.
RECENT SERVICE OR ACCIDENT REPAIR:
Determine if any recent service has been per-
formed on vehicle that may effect cooling system.
This may be:
• Engine adjustments (incorrect timing)
• Slipping engine accessory drive belt(s)
• Brakes (possibly dragging)
• Changed parts. Incorrect water pump or pump
rotating in wrong direction due to belt not correctly
routed
• Reconditioned radiator or cooling system refill-
ing (possibly under filled or air trapped in system).
NOTE: If investigation reveals none of the previous
items as a cause for an engine overheating com-
plaint, (Refer to 7 - COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
VA COOLING 7 - 1
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