Safety Element; Cooling System - Carburetion & Turbo Systems Vortec 5700 Operation And Maintenance Manual

ENGINE AIR CLEANER
The engine air cleaner filters air entering the engine intake system and acts as a silencer and
flame arrester when assembled to the intake system. A dirty air cleaner produces an abrasive
fuel mixture and can cause severe damage to the cylinder walls and piston rings. Damage to the
cylinder walls and piston rings will cause high oil consumption and shorten the life of the engine.
Caution: Under severe dusty or dirty conditions, replace the air cleaner more frequently.
Remove the primary air cleaner element from the air cleaner assembly and inspect the element
for foreign material restrictions or signs of excessive wear or damage. Replace the element if
necessary. Remove all dust and foreign matter from the air cleaner housing. Reinstall the air
cleaner element, the air cleaner cup and securely fasten the retaining clips.
SAFETY ELEMENT
If your engine is equipped with an air cleaner, which utilizes a safety element, ensure the element
is properly in place before installing the primary element. Change the safety element annually.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Level: Check the coolant level of the radiator daily and only when the engine is cool.
Generally, a good time to do this is just prior to starting the engine for the first time each day.
Maintain the coolant level at 34 to 1-112 inches below the filler neck seat of the radiator when the
coolant is cold. In addition, when checking the coolant level, also inspect the condition of the
radiator cap rubber seal. Make sure it is clean and free of any debris that would keep it from
seating on the filler neck seat. Rinse off with clean water if necessary. Make sure that the filler
neck seat is free of any dirt particles also.
Warning: Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is running under any
circumstances! Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to the cooling
system or engine, or could cause personal injury. Removing the radiator cap from a hot
radiator may cause scalding hot coolant to stream or blow out of the radiator. Wait until
the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap and turn slowly to
the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When all
the pressure has been released, press down on the cap and remove it slowly.
DO .NOT add coolant to any engine that has become overheated until the engine cools.
Adding coolant to an extremely hot engine can result in a cracked block or cylinder head.
Use only a permanent type coolant when refilling or flushing the coolant system. Recommended
ethylene glycol mix 52/48 is normal up to a maximum of 60% glycol, 40% water. Refer to the
mixture chart on the container for additional antifreeze protection information. DO NOT use
alcohol or methanol antifreeze, or mix them with the specified coolant. Plain water may be used
in an emergency (except in fieezing temperatures), but replace it with the specified coolant as
quickly as possible to avoid damage to the system.