Archive for the ‘Cooling System’ Category.
October 1, 2009, 18:45
THE EFFECT
The cooling system will maintain normal operating temperature under all driveable conditions.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
It’s always a good idea to look at the thermostatic fan to understand how it operates. Because thermostatic fans are thermostatically controlled and they should switch on and off. A good thermostatic fan in a very good cooling system will switch on for somewhere between 20-40 seconds. If the fan switches on for longer than 60 seconds this might be a cooling system that is unable to cool down with the thermostatic fan. Another problem might be associated with the cooling system. If the fan stays on for 5 seconds, this is an excellent cooling system as it never requires a lot of effort from the thermo fan.
October 1, 2009, 18:43
PURPOSE
The thermo fan fuse prevents the wiring or the motor from melting from a short circuit.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Fuses don’t just blow for no reason at all, they blow when they are overloaded. If a fuse is blowing as soon as you put it in, you need to have an auto electrician check it out. It shows that there is a definite short in the system causing the fuse to blow.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Replacing a ceramic or glass fuse is inexpensive. A good idea is to carry a few spare fuses in your vehicle.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
It is usually a 15-20 amp fuse. If you try a 25 amp fuse and it blows go no further but remember if you have air conditioning turn it on as it may switch on an additional fan and drive at least 60Kms. This will also keep the engine cool.
October 1, 2009, 18:41
PURPOSE
The temperature sender unit is a vital component designed to measure the water. As the water temperature varies so does the value of the resistance inside the temperature sender thus sending a different reading to the light or gauge.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The temperature sender, whether it be connected to a light or gauge, must have a secure terminal attached to it fitted with a temperature warning light. The light should appear when the ignition is turned on. If fitted with a gauge the gauge should start on cold when the ignition is turned on and gradually move to another value to around normal position. Again, temperature gauges and lights must be listened to and rectified if they continue to come on or climb up the needle. If the needle climbs up high it’s time to turn the vehicle off.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
A temperature sender unit sending the value to a gauge may be costly to replace. The temperature sender gauge type may cost $30.00-$80.00 and a temperature sender sending the value to a light may cost around $20.00-$30.00.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
It is not a good idea to disconnect a temperature sender as it will save a lot of time and money when this warning device is required to turn on or give you the correct value of the water temperature. If in doubt, see your local auto electrician.
October 1, 2009, 18:39
PURPOSE
The temperature gauge is designed to let you know what is happening in the cooling system. To let you know in advance if something is wrong. The gauge should always start on the cold when the engine is first started, then climb to a normal operating temperature after running for about 30 minutes.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Gauges must be seen at all times. They must move from one value, being cold, to another value, being hot. If the gauge stays on cold or doesn’t move then this is a warning sign. Get it checked ASAP. The same applies if the gauge stays on hot or just in the middle. If a gauge climbs 3/4 of the way the engine should be switched off and then wait for at least 30 minutes before checking the water. Every minute of driving a vehicle on high may add a $100.00 to the repair of the cooling system.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Temperature gauges can be expensive. The wreckers is an option.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
No temporary repair for the temperature gauge.
September 20, 2009, 18:39
THE EFFECT
The car will overheat mainly when it’s idling.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
A thermo fan should switch on periodically when idling. If it does not, make sure the connection to the thermostatic fan switch is okay. A fan fuse might also have gone. Check all the fuses. Find the thermo fan relay, wiggle the relay or swap that relay with an air conditioning relay, provided that the amperage on the relays are all the same.
COST
Depending on why it’s not switching on. If it’s the fuse it will only cost 50 cents but if it’s the thermo fan switch it could cost around $90.00. The thermo fan itself could cost $150.00. The wiring could cost $30.00 to correct. The thermo fan not switching on may be bypassed or bridged at the relay or at the connection, just to get you home.
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009
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September 20, 2009, 09:46
THE EFFECT
The cooling system will maintain normal operating temperature under all driveable conditions.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
It’s always a good idea to look at the thermostatic fan to understand how it operates. Because thermostatic fans are thermostatically controlled, they should switch on and off. A good thermostatic fan in a very good cooling system will switch on for between 20-40 seconds. If the fan switches on for longer than 60 seconds this might be a cooling system that is unable to cool down with the thermostatic fan. If the fan stays on for 5 seconds then this is an excellent cooling system as it never requires a lot of effort from the thermo fan.
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009
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September 20, 2009, 09:44
THE EFFECT
Eventually the effect will be destructive towards the head gasket going and also the head warping.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
First thing to do is to turn the vehicle off for 1/2 hr and then carefully open the bonnet and moving away from the cap, use a set of gloves or rag, remove the radiator cap, then start the vehicle and check the water. You can only pour water in after you have started the vehicle up. Check for leaks. Check that the thermo fan is switching on and off periodically over 1/2 hr time parameter. If you find an excessive water leak, depending on what it is, if it can be repaired by the roadside, good. If not, then a tow is required.
COST
Depending on what it is. If it’s a hard to get at hose, it could cost $60.00-$90.00. If it’s a thermostatic fan or a viscose fan, or a water pump, the price will vary.
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009
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September 20, 2009, 09:42
THE EFFECT
This type of problem will give the same effect as a blown head gasket. It will cause the cooling system to appear unstable. It may also cause the upper radiator hose to tear apart as the thermostat decides to open with a great force of hot water.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
If you decide to put another radiator hose on what you need to do is feel the upper and lower radiator hoses at normal operating temperature, very carefully, just in case the radiator explodes, and they should be almost the same temperature. If one is cold and one is hot, this indicates a sticking thermostat.
COST
To replace the thermostat it will cost $30.00-$90.00 depending on the make and model of the vehicle and also depending on how old the vehicle is. The thermostat housing bolts may break as you try to remove them.
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009
Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts
September 1, 2009, 07:43
Cooling System – Water
PURPOSE
Water is designed to maintain normal operating temperature and will only perform this function if all other components are operating correctly. Water should include an additive to prevent corrosion and erosion. If your vehicle is driven in either a very cold or very hot climate it may be necessary to add either an anti -freeze or anti-boil solution. This will only work effectively if the corrosive inhibitor is changed every 12 months.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The colour of the water tells a very good story about the condition of the cooling system. Brown water is the worst, clear water is not good; green water is best and it needs to be changed every 12 months to keep the colour at its best.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
If your vehicle is pre 1990 then a good corrosive inhibitor may be okay. If it is after 1990 then contact your dealer as the seals and welsh plugs require specific inhibitors to protect these components. These additives can be expensive.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
If your vehicle has brown water, disconnect the heater hose and remove the radiator cap and secure a garden hose in the heater hose and turn on with a moderate pressure. This is the best way to reverse flush the cooling system. Please note that this should only be done when the engine is cold. It may require several applications until the water runs clear. It is a good idea to turn the heater tap as this will also flush the heater core, in case it might be partially blocked.
More information On Basic Car Maintenance CD Rom
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August 16, 2009, 08:46
Cooling System – Heater Core
PURPOSE
The heater core is designed to dissipate heat providing driver and passenger comfort. Heater cores should last at least 5 years before they start to give trouble. They are like a smaller version of a radiator except it dissipates heat for driver and passenger comfort whereas the radiator dissipates heat for a normal operating temperature for the engine in all speeds and conditions. A heater core is usually made up of a copper core with steel tanks. The later type of heater core may be made up of aluminium making it a very expensive component.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The heater core, over time, can become clogged. When you turn the heaters on and the temperature is only just warm this could indicate a blocked heater core or that the water is not reaching the correct temperature. A thermostat incorrectly fitted or removed may also affect the temperature of the heater core. The most common problem is a clogged or leaking heating core. A leaking heater core is when green water or a puddle of water is leaking onto the driver’s or the front passenger’s floor. Another sign is the windscreen fogging up when the car is warm. These problems need to be rectified ASAP. The heater core is connected to the cooling system which operates under pressure and further driving may drain the cooling system. This can lead to an overheated motor or a seized motor or a head gasket problem.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Heater cores because they are situated underneath the dash or inside the dash panel assembly can cost anywhere from $150.00-$500.00 depending on the make and model. If you find that this is too expensive heater coolers can be bypassed. The cooling system does not require a heater core to operate except as a roadworthy item but this is a short term option only.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
A temporary repair to the heater core is simply bypassing the two pipes that go into the heater core and connecting those up, bypassing the heater core eliminating the heater core from leaking any further.
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