In a message dated 6/3/99 12:16:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
mdietsche@yahoo.com writes:
<< If the radiator's at fault I'd be more inclined to think water flow is
restricted for some reason. If you don't mind pulling the radiator you could
ask him to check it if he's able. >>
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There is a simple, although not totally foolproof, method to test water flow
thru a radiator.
Let the car cool completely. Start the car and idle until the thermostat
opens. You can tell by leaving the radiator cap off and watching the water.
It will start to roil when it is being pumped thru the engine. Then shut off
the engine after another minute or two and feel the surface of the radiator.
(Careful. If you have an electric fan you might want to unplug it.) If you
have half of it warm and the other half cold, the water isn't circulating
thru it completely. If it's all warm, it's probably fine.
No need to pull it. The only hassle is if you get a phone call and the car
heats up all the way, you can't tell because the heat could be conducted thru
the metal. Then you have to wait until it cools down completely again.
Hope this helps.
Allen Hefner
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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