Chapter 9
Cooling Systems
Nothing kills a car engine faster than overheating it. Today’s engines are
predominantly made of aluminum, which is unforgiving at excessive
temperatures. Also, engine operating temperatures are higher than they were
years ago in order to achieve lower tailpipe emissions. Finally, throw in the
possibility of a bad thermostat, and you have a recipe for engine meltdown.
That’s why proper cooling system maintenance is paramount.
The engine’s cooling system is made up of a radiator, water pump, thermostat,
hoses, water jackets (in the engine block and cylinder head[s]), and cooling fan.
What do they do? What can go wrong with them? What should you do to
prevent problems with the cooling system?