LEVEL CHECK

The coolant level should be checked regularly. Serious engine damage can occur if the engine overheats.

CAUTION
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold; serious injury could result from escaping steam or hot fluid if checked when hot. If your car is equipped with an electric cooling fan, make sure that the ignition switch is OFF. The cooling fan will automatically operate if the ignition switch is on and the engine coolant temperature is high, or if the wiring connector on the thermostat housing is disconnected.

1. Depress the button on the thermal expansion tank (coolant recovery reservoir) safety cap, if there is one. Allow all of the pressure trapped in the system to escape.

   CAUTION
   The radiator is not factory-equipped with a safety cap. Do not remove the radiator cap before removing the expansion tank cap, or when the engine is hot.

   Fig. 1: Remove insects and debris from the radiator fins

2. Remove the expansion tank cap. The expansion tank should be ¹⁄₃ full, unless Full and Low marks are provided. The level should be well above the bottom of the tank when the engine is cold.
3. If it is not, carefully remove the cap from the radiator. The radiator should be full.
4. Add a 50/50 solution of ethylene glycol (or other suitable coolant) and clean water. If there was no coolant in the expansion tank, fill the radiator until the level is near the inlet port and install the radiator cap. Then, fill the expansion tank to the specified level, and secure the expansion tank cap.

   When checking the coolant level, the pressure cap should be examined for signs of age or deterioration. Check it for a worn or cracked gasket. If the cap doesn't seal properly, fluid will be lost and the engine will overheat. A worn cap should be replaced with a new one. The fan belt and other drive belts should be inspected and adjusted to the proper tension. (Please refer to the belt inspection and adjusting procedures, earlier in this section.)

   Remove the radiator cap and run the tip of your finger around the inside of the filler neck. Check for excessive deposits of rust or scale around the filler neck lip and the filler port. Make sure the coolant is free of oil. Replace the coolant as necessary.

   Hose clamps should be tightened, and soft or cracked hoses replaced. Damp spots, or accumulations of rust or dye near hoses, the water pump or other areas indicate possible leakage, which must be corrected before filling the system with fresh coolant.

   Periodically clean any debris, leaves, paper, insects, etc. from the radiator fins. Pick the large pieces off by hand. The smaller pieces can be washed away with water pressure from a hose.

   Carefully straighten any bent radiator fins with a pair of needle nose pliers. Be careful as the fins are very soft. Don't wiggle the fins back and forth too much. Straighten them once and try not to move them again.