Major components of the cooling system.
Water Pump-The heart of the system. (Electric or Mechanical)
Radiator-Usually made of aluminum the radiator increases surface area to dissipate heat.
Water jackets-passageways in the engine block to allow for cooling
Thermostat-regulates the temperature in your engine 185 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit is typical
Fan- (Electric or Mechanical) Used to draw air across the surface area of the radiator to cool the coolant.

“Never mix green colored ethylene glycol antifreeze and orange colored “DEX-COOL” silicate-free coolant because doing so will destroy the efficiency of “DEX-COOL” coolant which is designed to last for 100,000 miles or 5 years.”-Haynes repair manual





Coolant maintenance interval 6,000 miles or 6 months
Wait until engine has cooled before performing maintenance

• Cooling system cools both the engine and transmission (if it is an automatic)
• Always remove the radiator cap slowly
• If you hear a hissing sound there is still pressure in the system
• Check hoses for any cracks, checks, bulges and signs of excessive wear; if found replace
• Check for rust color or corrosion in the coolant reservoir (flush system and replace coolant if found)
• Check the radiator for damage, bent fins, excessive bugs or birds etc
• Test the coolant for temperature range
• Beware it is possible to buy premixed coolant.  typically it is mixed 50/50, meaning 50% water and 50% coolant.  When mixing coolant and water it is strongly advised to use clean, filtered, pure water, distilled water.  Distilled water typically comes in one gallon jug for roughly one dollar.  Distilled will not have impurities that may be in tap water and can cause corrosion.  OR you can buy the premixed anti-freeze.

 

---

---

Water jackets allow the coolant to surround the piston sleeve or cylinder.  This creates a large surface area to transfer heat efficiently.  Some engines have water passages which are much like oil galleries.