2. The cooling system should be checked with a cold engine. Do this before or after driving the vehicle by keeping the engine off for at least 3 hours.
Attention! Never remove the sealed radiator cap while the engine is running or immediately after it is turned off - in this case, the cooling system will be very hot. Scalding from escaping steam or escaping liquid can result in serious injury.
3. Remove the sealed radiator cap by turning it to the left as far as it will go. If you hear a hiss (indicating that there is still pressure in the system), wait until it stops. Now press the cover with the palm of your hand and continue to turn it to the left until you can completely remove the cover. Rinse the cap thoroughly inside and out with clean water, clean the filler neck on the radiator. All traces of corrosion should be removed. The coolant inside the radiator should be relatively clear. If it has a rusty color, the system should be emptied and refilled (see paragraph 26). If the coolant level does not reach the top, add an antifreeze/water mixture/coolant (see paragraph 4).
4. Carefully check the upper and lower large radiator hoses along with the smaller diameter heater hoses that run from the engine to the baffle. Inspect each hose along its entire length. Replace all hoses that are not cracked, swollen or showing signs of deterioration. Cracks will be more visible if the hose is compressed (pic. 11.4). Regardless of condition, it is recommended to replace the hoses with new ones every two years.
Pic. 11.4. Hoses, like drive belts, tend to fail at the most inconvenient times. To avoid burning the radiator or heater hose, they must be carefully inspected, as shown here.
5. Make sure all hose connections are tight. A leak in the cooling system usually shows up as white or rusty deposits in areas near the leak. If wire clamps are used at the ends of the hoses, it is recommended to replace them with more reliable worm gears (screw) clamps.
6. Using compressed air or a soft brush, remove insects, leaves, etc. from the front of the radiator or air conditioner condenser. Be careful not to damage or cut yourself on the fragile cooling fins/plates.
7. At every second inspection, or at the first sign of a problem with the cooling system, check the cap and system pressure. If you don't have a pressure tester, most service stations can do it inexpensively.