Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Restrictions

A dirty, obstructed, or leaking radiator core causes overheating. Scale deposits result from using hard (high-mineral) water in the cooling system. Heating these minerals causes the formation of a hard coating on the surfaces within the radiator. Scaling reduces the transfer of heat. Some hard water produces a silt-like deposit that restricts the flow of water. A radiator that is partially restricted should be removed and cleaned by a Radiator Repair Specialist. Replace a radiator core that is plugged or has a heavy scale.