- Radiator fins
- Coolant level
- Radiator cap and/or pressure relief valve
- Coolant temperature gauge
- Restriction in the coolant system
- Water temperature regulator
- Engine cooling fan
- Coolant pump
- Cylinder head gasket
Check the radiator fins for dirt, debris, and/or damage. Remove any dirt and/or debris and straighten any bent fins.
- Inspect the coolant level. If necessary, add coolant.
- Check the cooling system for leaks. Repair any leaks immediately.
Radiator Cap and/or Pressure Relief Valve
- Pressure test the cooling system. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System" for the correct procedure.
- Check that the seating surfaces of the pressure relief valve and the radiator cap are clean and undamaged.
- Check operation of the pressure relief valve and/or the radiator cap. If necessary, clean the components and/or replace the components.
Compare the reading for the coolant temperature from the electronic service tool to the reading for the coolant temperature from a calibrated test gauge.
Restriction in the Coolant System
- Visually inspect the cooling system for collapsed hoses and/or other restrictions.
- Clean the radiator and flush the radiator. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System".
Check the water temperature regulator for correct operation. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System" for the proper procedure. If necessary, replace the water temperature regulator. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Water Temperature Regulator - Remove and Install" for more information.
- Make sure that the engine cooling fan is correctly installed.
- Make sure that the engine cooling fan is being driven correctly by the drive belt. If necessary, tighten the drive belt or replace the drive belt. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Alternator Belt - Remove and Install".
- Check the engine cooling fan for damage. If necessary, replace the fan. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Fan - Remove and Install".
- Inspect the impeller of the coolant pump for damage and/or erosion.
- Make sure that the drive gear is not loose on the drive shaft of the coolant pump.
- If necessary, replace the coolant pump. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Water Pump - Remove" and Disassembly and Assembly, "Water Pump - Install".
Switch off the engine and allow the engine to cool to below normal working temperature. Remove the pressure cap for the coolant system. Start the engine and inspect the coolant for the presence of bubbles. If bubbles are present in the coolant, combustion gases may be entering the cooling system. Check the cylinder head gasket. Refer to the recommended action for the cylinder head gasket within Troubleshooting, "Coolant in Engine Oil". Check the cylinder head for flatness. Refer to the recommended action for checking flatness of the cylinder head within Systems Operation, Testing and Adjusting, "Cylinder Head - Inspect". Fit the pressure cap if there are no bubbles in the coolant.