Buick LeSabre 1965 Service Manual page 69

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM 2 - 4 7
SECTION 2-F
COOLING AND OILING SYSTEMS SERVICE
CONTENTS OF SECTION 2-F
Paragraph
2-20
2-21
Subject
Page
Cooling System Services 2-47
Fan Belt Adjustment or
Replacement 2-48
Paragraph Subject Page
2-22 Radiator Thermostat
Inspection and Test 2-49
2-23 Water Pump Repairs 2-50
2-24 Oil Pump Repairs 2-51
2-25 Oil Pump Service 2-53
2 - 2 0 COOLING SYSTEM
SERVICES
a. Checking and Filling
Cooling System
The c o o l a n t level should be
checked only when t h e engine
is cold and only enough coolant
should be added to bring the level
halfway between core and tank
top.
It is unnecessary and undesirable
to remove the radiator cap and
check the coolant level each time
the car stops at a filling station
for gasoline or oil, since the
engine is usually hot at such
times.
CAUTION: Never remove the ra-
diator cap quickly when engine is
HOT. Sudden release of cooling
system pressure may cause the
coolant to boil and some of it
may be ejected from the radiator
filler neck, resulting in injury to
persons or damage to the car
finish.
If it is necessary at any time to
remove the radiator cap when
engine is hot, rotate the cap
counterclockwise until a stop is
reached. Leave cap in this posi-
tion until all pressure in cooling
system has been released, then
turn cap forcibly past the stop
and remove it.
b. Draining, Flushing,
Conditioning Cooling
System
The cooling system should be
completely drained and the rec-
ommended coolant installed every
two (2) years.
To drain the cooling system, re-
move radiator cap, open the drain
cock in the lower radiator tank
and remove drain plugs on both
sides of cylinder block. If car
is heater equipped, set heater
temperature control valve at full
heat position.
After the c o o l i n g system is
drained, p l u g s reinstalled and
cock closed, fill the system with
clean water. Run the engine long
enough to open the thermostat for
complete circulation through the
system, then completely drain the
cooling system before sediment
has a chance to settle.
c. Conditioning the Cooling
System
"Rust Inhibitor and Stop Leak",
listed under Group 8.800 is rec-
ommended for use in the cooling
system, particularly when pre-
paring for installation of anti-
freeze solution. This material
stops small seepage leaks, has
rust preventive properties and its
soluble oil is effective in elimi-
nating a squealing noise which
sometimes develops at the water
pump seal washer. Instructions
for its application are printed on
the conditioner bottle.
It is very important to make cer-
tain that the cooling system is
properly prepared before an anti-
freeze solution is installed; other-
wise, loss of solution through
leakage may occur or seepage
may result in damage to the en-
gine. The cooling system should
be drained and flushed as de-
scribed above (subpar. b.), all
joints should be checked for leak-
age and corrected, and the con-
ditioner described above should
be added with t h e anti-freeze
solution.
Inspect the water pump, radiator
core, heater and defroster cores,
drain cocks, water jacket plugs,
and edge of cylinder head gaskets
for evidence of w a t e r leaks.
Tighten all hose clamps in the
cooling and heating systems and
replace any deteriorated hoses.
d. Using and Testing
Anti-Freeze Solutions
Inhibited year around (permanent
type) engine coolant solution which
is formulated to withstand two full
calendar years of normal opera-
tion without draining or adding
inhibitors should be used at all
times. Freeze protection should
be provided to protect against
corrosion. When adding solution
due to loss of coolant for any
reason or in areas where tem-
peratures lower than -20 °F. may
be encountered, a sufficient
amount of any of the several
brands of year around coolant
(Ethylene Glycol base) compatible
to GM Specification 1899-M avail-
able on the market should be
used.
NOTE: Alcohol base coolants are
not recommended for this vehicle
at any time.