Finding Coolant Leaks Some days, around this time of year, it feels like all we do is chase down coolant leaks. Maybe that has something to do with weather patterns…
By Steve Schaeber, MACS Technical Editor The main purpose of a thermostat is to help the cooling system regulate engine operating temperatures to within the manufacturer’s specification. This is normally…
The Ford owners’ and enthusiasts forums on the Internet are awash in questions and discussions of Ford Motor Company’s recently-announced gradual changeover to a standard coolant for all their engines. Some owners are concerned that their favorite car company has crossed over to “the dark side” and adopted General Motors Dex-Cool, a sure sign of an automotive apocalypse.
Before draining the coolant, warm up the vehicle until the thermostat opens. Shut the engine off and place a pan under the radiator drain (the petcock) to catch the old coolant. Turning the petcock to loosen it will allow coolant to drain from the radiator. Once the coolant stops flowing, the pressure from the system has been released and you can remove the radiator cap to allow the coolant to drain completely.
Pressure testing is used to check for leaks in the cooling system and to test the radiator cap.
According to MACS member Spectra Premium Industries, a North American manufacturer of many aftermarket A/C and engine cooling system parts, testing for electrolysis is a simple task. Use a digital volt ohms meter (DVOM). Set your meter to DC volts. With the engine off, hook the negative lead from the meter to the negative post of the battery.
One way to check for proper coolant circulation is to check the upper and lower radiator hoses. The upper radiator hose should be hot, around 190–200 °F. (The safest and…
Coolant of good quality will be brightly colored. As coolant becomes old, it usually turns into a brownish, rust colored liquid. At this point the coolant is past its useful life and must be changed.
With all the long-life coolants, and even the three-year/50,000 mile conventional coolants, it’s fair to ask: why do we see so many cases of coolants failing at low mileage.
