ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 28 January 1933, Page 12

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

DIRTY RADIATOR DEPOSITS.

TROUBLE DURING SUMMER.

MONTHS.

Summer temperatures are sufficiently high to make necessary good engine cooling efficiency, and to maintain this annual tuning-up of the cooling system is advisable. Most of the trouble with dirty deposits in radiator tubes is caused by traces of oil in the water forming air adhesive film w r bieh collects rust particles from the water. The oil comes from slight cylinder head gasket leak-

age, or from over-lubrication of the water pump. - To remove it, dissolve about a pound of washing soda in the radiator, take t he car for a good run, and drain the radiator on returning. Do tlus promptly so the sedmient will not have tune to settle, and let out the water by disconnecting the bottom hose, as the sud- . den rush of water is more effective i than slow draining through the tap. Finish by flushing out with the garden | hose when tlie engine has cooled. __ It is a cood plan to renew both hose connections once a year, as in old hoses the fabric and rubber are likely to swell and restrict the flow of water. •’The air passages through the radiator core also should be cleaned by hosing i through the core from the back, takmg j care not to drench the electrical equipI ment. . , , i The fan belt should be adjusted, or replaced if it is in bad condition. If ! the fan still seems inefficient, it usual- ' ly is possible to improve it by twisting the 'blades differently. Leakage at water-pump glands can ; he overcome by tightening them sliglit- | iy, unless new packing is needed. If | the shaft is scored, it will be difficult I to obtain permanent tightness until the ; scoring is removed by turning the j shaft in a lathe. : Pump circulation is not a necessity for cooling except with large engines, ; provided the cylinder head is properly ! designed. A good example is the Hill- ’ man’ Minx, in wtiich a very definite 1 rising of the water passages towards ! the water outlet pipe is noticeable.

Chronic valve troubles in car engines usually are caused by steam pockets, which give rise to local overheating. This is a defect of design, which may not be shown by general overheating, and it can be minimised by malting cooling as effective as possible.