15k Mile: Coolant Hoses, Radiators, Coolant


Check hose condition,. visually inspect the radiators for external contamination. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection.

Coolant Hoses. This is a general eyeball check. The workshop manual gives no specifics on what to look for. What I'd like to do here is collect pictures of problems that others have found and that are worth looking for. This, like many pages here will be a growing page over time.

Radiators. The workshop manual only suggests sticking thin vacuum cleaner nozzle in the intakes to clean them out. My experience is that the dirt inside is far too deep and voluminous to be sufficiently removed in this manner. I recommend removing the front bumper skirt and intake scoops. See my old "Accessing the Radiaotors" websit for details. Especially in hot climates, like Austin, this can be critical to keeping your engine running cool.

Coolant. Check to make sure the coolant in the coolant reservoir is above the minimum line. Because of occasional porous engine blocks, take this opportunity to inspect for engine oil in the coolant. If you see engine oil, you have a very, very big problem. If you live in a cold climate you should check the antifreeze protection, but down here in Austin it seems kind of pointless.


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