Cleaning and inspection

Radiator cap

CLEANING

Use only a mild soap and water to clean the radiator cap. Using any type solvent may cause damage to the seal in the radiator cap.

INSPECTION

Hold cap at eye level, right side up. The vent valve (Fig. 29) at bottom of cap should open. If rubber gasket has swollen and prevents vent valve from opening, replace cap.

Hold cap at eye level, upside down. If any light can be seen between vent valve and rubber gasket, replace cap. Do not use a replacement cap that has a spring to hold vent shut. A replacement cap must be the type designed for a coolant reserve/overflow system with a completely sealed diaphragm spring and a rubber gasket. This gasket is used to seal to radiator filler neck top surface. Use of proper cap will allow coolant return to radiator.

Radiator

CLEANING

Clean radiator fins With the engine cold, apply cold water and compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radiator to flush the radiator and/or A/C condenser of debris.

INSPECTION

The radiator cooling fins should be checked for damage or deterioration. Inspect cooling fins to make sure they are not bent or crushed, these areas result in reduced heat exchange causing the cooling system to operate at higher temperatures. Inspect the plastic end tanks for cracks, damage or leaks.

Inspect the radiator neck for damage or distortion.

Water pump

CLEANING

Clean the gasket mating surface. Use caution not to damage the gasket sealing surface.

INSPECTION

Inspect the water pump assembly for cracks in the housing, Water leaks from shaft seal, Loose or rough turning bearing or Impeller rubbing either the pump body or timing chain case/cover.

Fan blade

CLEANING

Clean the fan blades using a mild soap and water.

Do not use an abrasive to clean the blades.

INSPECTION

WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND OR STRAIGHTEN FAN BLADES IF FAN IS NOT WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS.

CAUTION: If fan blade assembly is replaced because of mechanical damage, water pump and viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These components could have been damaged due to excessive vibration.

(1) Remove fan blade assembly from viscous fan drive unit (four bolts).

(2) Lay fan on a flat surface with leading edge facing down. With tip of blade touching flat surface, replace fan if clearance between opposite blade and surface is greater than 2.0 mm (.090 inch). Rocking motion of opposite blades should not exceed 2.0 mm (.090 inch). Test all blades in this manner.

(3) Inspect fan assembly for cracks, bends, loose rivets or broken welds. Replace fan if any damage is found.

Specifications

Cooling system capacities

Cooling system

Special tools

COOLING

Pliers Constant Pressure Hose Clamp-6094

Cooling System Pressure Tester-7700A

3/8" Disconnect Tool-6935