vigman
Motor head!!!!
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2001
- Messages
- 3,471
- Location
- Valencia, CA,USA
- Corvette
- 88 Convert ( SOLD ) /1973 coupe 4 speed/1964 Vert!
I thought I would post some Kooling tips... since it is summer..... and we bottom feeders run hot anyway... some handy tips!
1) If your getting you radiator serviced DO NOT get it Boiled out... the solution will react with the aluminum causing it to turn to Swiss cheese.
2) Do a flush with a Prestone (or similar kit) to get all that loose junk OUT of your cooling system.... I do not recomend ANY flush additives... just clear cool water... then do a 50/50 mix. ( remember don't drain your OLD coolant in the gutter)
3) Get the junk out of the front tray in front of the radiator.
Straighten out bent A/C condenser fins!
Hi pressure wash out the front of your radiator EXCEPT YOU OPTI SPARK GUYS!!!! LT-1's you will be surprised HOW MUCH GOO comes out of the A/C condenser & radiator. I like to use a carb cleaner and let it soak a bit then LET IT HAVE IT with the High pressure wash @ the local self serve car wash. For you Opti spark guys I hear that using a large plastic sheet with towels underneath works OK... but do this at your own risk!!!!!!!
4) MYTH... If I take out the thermostat... the engine will run cooler... Bzzzztttttt WRONGO
The engine is designed to run hot...
not that I agree with that...
but just changing the stat will not in ANY way make the engine run cooler... the trick is getting MORE AIR over the fins in the radiator and of couse proper pressure in the cooling system.
Water boils @ sea level @212 degrees
DID YOU KNOW THAT>>>>>>
Coolant boils 50/50 mix @ 15lbs of pressure @ 262 degrees!
5) Change your cap... 5 bucks or so... ( 15 lbs stock) CHEAP maintance!
6) Make sure your fans work!!!!!!
The MAIN fan ( stock ) comes on either...
A) With the A/C on ( any temp ) a few seconds AFTER the A/C engages and pressure rises in the A/C system.
OR
B) You hit 232 degrees
If you have an AUX fan... that comes on at around 220-225 depend on the calibration of the sender.
AND I DO RECOMEND the Mid America low temp fan sensor!! comes on @ 200 & Off @ 180
7) Check your hoses.. if there SOFT replace em before you puke out your cooling system. Espically the lower hose.. it has a tendancy to rub against the frame/ suspension... most of the hoses have SOME form of anti -rub protection.. check yours NOW.
When the system is WARM or HOT the upper radiator hose should be FIRM with the system pressure.. If not...you got a leaky-leaky.
As you grab the Bottom hose the temp should be cooler than the top hose.... Top discharge of HOT ENGINE COOLANT!
Bottom return of COOLER COOLANT back!
That's why you have thaty SPRING THING in the lower hose to keep it from collapsing from SUCTION!
Check the ends of your hoses... any white stains? That means coolant is leaking in the form of steam!
8) Weepin Hole
Get a GOOD inspection mirror and look under the water pump (system hot engine off) and look for steam... or other leak or stains of coolant.. now be careful... It's HOT!
And for the very brave... you can lift the car and crawl under... better view... but your getting slimed!
Now I'm sure everyone will chime in with their OWN tips... which is a good thing. I wanted ONE place to AIR this one out.
Vig!
( Ducking )
1) If your getting you radiator serviced DO NOT get it Boiled out... the solution will react with the aluminum causing it to turn to Swiss cheese.
2) Do a flush with a Prestone (or similar kit) to get all that loose junk OUT of your cooling system.... I do not recomend ANY flush additives... just clear cool water... then do a 50/50 mix. ( remember don't drain your OLD coolant in the gutter)
3) Get the junk out of the front tray in front of the radiator.
Straighten out bent A/C condenser fins!
Hi pressure wash out the front of your radiator EXCEPT YOU OPTI SPARK GUYS!!!! LT-1's you will be surprised HOW MUCH GOO comes out of the A/C condenser & radiator. I like to use a carb cleaner and let it soak a bit then LET IT HAVE IT with the High pressure wash @ the local self serve car wash. For you Opti spark guys I hear that using a large plastic sheet with towels underneath works OK... but do this at your own risk!!!!!!!
4) MYTH... If I take out the thermostat... the engine will run cooler... Bzzzztttttt WRONGO
The engine is designed to run hot...
not that I agree with that...
but just changing the stat will not in ANY way make the engine run cooler... the trick is getting MORE AIR over the fins in the radiator and of couse proper pressure in the cooling system.
Water boils @ sea level @212 degrees
DID YOU KNOW THAT>>>>>>
Coolant boils 50/50 mix @ 15lbs of pressure @ 262 degrees!
5) Change your cap... 5 bucks or so... ( 15 lbs stock) CHEAP maintance!
6) Make sure your fans work!!!!!!
The MAIN fan ( stock ) comes on either...
A) With the A/C on ( any temp ) a few seconds AFTER the A/C engages and pressure rises in the A/C system.
OR
B) You hit 232 degrees
If you have an AUX fan... that comes on at around 220-225 depend on the calibration of the sender.
AND I DO RECOMEND the Mid America low temp fan sensor!! comes on @ 200 & Off @ 180
7) Check your hoses.. if there SOFT replace em before you puke out your cooling system. Espically the lower hose.. it has a tendancy to rub against the frame/ suspension... most of the hoses have SOME form of anti -rub protection.. check yours NOW.
When the system is WARM or HOT the upper radiator hose should be FIRM with the system pressure.. If not...you got a leaky-leaky.
As you grab the Bottom hose the temp should be cooler than the top hose.... Top discharge of HOT ENGINE COOLANT!
Bottom return of COOLER COOLANT back!
That's why you have thaty SPRING THING in the lower hose to keep it from collapsing from SUCTION!
Check the ends of your hoses... any white stains? That means coolant is leaking in the form of steam!
8) Weepin Hole
Get a GOOD inspection mirror and look under the water pump (system hot engine off) and look for steam... or other leak or stains of coolant.. now be careful... It's HOT!
And for the very brave... you can lift the car and crawl under... better view... but your getting slimed!
Now I'm sure everyone will chime in with their OWN tips... which is a good thing. I wanted ONE place to AIR this one out.
Vig!
( Ducking )