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l-40
GENERALINFORMATIONAND
MAINTENANCE
aiffiip98
Fig. 194 Pump the cooling system with pres-
sure, making sure not to overpressurize the
1 system or damage can occur
1. Remove the radiator or recovery tank cap.
2. Using the proper adapter, insert it onto the
opening and connect the pressure tester,
3. Begin pressurizing the system by pumping the
pressure tester and watching the gauge, when the
maximum pressure is reached, stop.
4. Watch the gauge carefully and see if the pres-
sure on the gauge drops, if it does, a leak is definitely
present.
5. If the pressure stayed somewhat stable, visu-
ally inspect the system for leaks, If the pressure
dropped, repressurize the system and then visually
inspect the system.
,
/ observe the pressure reading
"@'p~ 1
Fig 195 Watch the gauge on the system and
dropped more than 20%, a leak definitely exists, if
the oressure droo is less than 20%. the svstem is
most likely okay:
,
cooling system when hot; serious burns can
Another way coolant is lost is by a internal engine
occur
from the steam
and
hot coolant. Also,
leak, causing the oil to be contaminated or the
when draining engine coolant, keep in mind
coolant to be burned in the process of combustion
that cats and dogs are attracted to ethylene
and sent out the exhaust. To check for oil contamina-
glyeol antifreeze and could drink any that is
tion, remove the dipstick and check the condition of
left in an uncovered container or in puddles
the oil in the oil pan. If the oil is murky and has a
on the ground. This will prove fatal in suffi-
white or beige "milkshake" look to it, the coolant is
cient quantities. Always drain coolant into a
contaminating the oil through an internal leak and the
sealable container. Coolant should be reuser
enqine must be torn down to find the leak. If the oil
mless it is contaminated or is several years
6. If no signs of a leak are noticed visually, pres-
surize the system to the maximum pressure rating of
the system and leave the uressure tester connected
fl sr about 30 minutes. Return after 30 minutes and
V
erify the pressure on the gauge, if the pressure
does not verify the situation, removing the spark
plugs one at a time and checking the electrodes for a
green or white tint can verify an internal coolant leak
and identify which cylinder(s) is the culprit and aiding
your search for the cause of the leak. If the spark
plugs appear okay, another method is to use a gas
analyzer or emissions tester, or one of several hand-
held tools that most professional shops possess. This
tools are used to check the cooling system for the
presence of Hydrocarbons (HC's) in the coolant.
DRAIN & REFILL
p See figures 196 thru 205
Ensure that the engine is completely cool prior to
starting this service.
Never open, service or drain the radiator or
Ippears okay, the coolant can be burned and going
jut the tailpipe. A quick test for this is a cloud of
Nhite smoke appearing from the tailpipe, especially
In start-up. On cold days, the white smoke will ap-
Iear, this is due to condensation and the outside
emperature, not a coolant leak. If the "smoke test"
Fig. 196 The draincock is usually located at
Fig. 197 Gently rotate the draincock coun-
the bottom of the radiator
terclockwise to open the draincock . . .
Fig. 199 Allow the fluid to drain until it stops
and tighten the draineock hand tight
93151p27
1. Remove the recovery tank or radiator cap.
2, Raise and support the vehicle.
3. If necessary, remove the splash shield from un
ler the front of the vehicle.
93im76
Fig, 198 . _ . then allow the coolant to drain
out of the radiator and cooling system
Fig. 200 Make sure to heed the caution on
the radiator cap and NEVER open the cap
1
when the engine is hot
,,
Fig. 201 Grasp the radiator cap and rotate
it counterclockwise . . .
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