How to Troubleshoot the Cooling System in a Chevy Silverado

Iskandar Blogger 2:54 PM

Understanding the cooling system's function helps you diagnose problems. In short, antifreeze gains heat as it passes through the engine and releases heat when it goes in the radiator. Your cooling devices generally circulate coolant, contain it or control its temperature. Troubleshoot the cooling system in a Chevy Silverado by inspecting cooling devices.

Instructions

    1

    Inspect the water pump for leaks. Your water pump keeps antifreeze moving through the engine, radiator and heater core. A faint antifreeze smell or spots of coolant under your Silverado when parked for a short time are signs of a faulty water pump.

    2

    Check hoses for cracks, collapses, leaks or dryness. This includes upper and lower radiator hoses, heater and bypass hoses and manifold coolant hoses. The upper hoses, for instance, measure about 2 inches wide and carry antifreeze between the radiator and engine. A damaged hose causes cooling system problems.

    3

    Examine your antifreeze level. Low coolant leads to overheating. With low levels, add DEX-COOL extended life engine coolant to the expansion tank reservoir. This relates to the VORTEC 4300 V6 engine and VORTEC 4800, 5300 and 6000 V8 engines.

    4

    Remove the antifreeze and flush the system to explore cooling problems. Make sure to dispose of coolant properly because the sweet smell of it attracts animals and small children. Ingesting the toxic liquid can be fatal.

    5

    Look at the radiator cap to see if it is faulty. A damaged cap could contain corrosion. Get a mechanic to use a pressure tester or an adapter to examine the cap's pressure rating and operation. Replace a defective cap promptly.

    6

    Wash and rinse the front of your radiator. Dirt, rocks, leaves and other debris suck into the vents of your radiator when driving which causes overheating. Use a soft nylon brush, soapy water and a water hose to clean your radiator front.

    7

    Test the thermostat to see if it is sticking. You can pinpoint a stuck thermostat by constant low temperature readings or peaks between high and normal temperatures. Usually you can find your thermostat residing inside the housing on the engine side of the upper radiator hose.