Preliminary Checks

PRELIMINARY CHECKS

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM OVERHEATING

Establish what driving conditions caused the complaint. Abnormal loads on the cooling system such as the following may be the cause:

- Prolonged idle
- Very high ambient temperature
- Slight tail wind at idle
- Slow traffic
- Traffic jams
- High speed or steep grades

Driving techniques that avoid overheating are:

- Idle with A/C off when temperature gauge is at end of normal range.

RECENT SERVICE OR ACCIDENT REPAIR:

- Engine adjustments (incorrect timing)
- Slipping accessory drive belt
- Brakes (possibly dragging)
- Changed parts (incorrect water pump)
- Reconditioned radiator or cooling system refilling (possibly under filled or air trapped in system).

NOTE: If investigation reveals none of the previous items as a cause for an engine overheating complaint, refer to following Cooling System Diagnosis charts.

TRAILER TOWING:

Consult Trailer Towing section. Do not exceed limits.

These charts are to be used as a quick-reference only.