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Checking hoses and the radiator cap

The parts of the cooling system most likely to give trouble are water hoses . Age and the movement of the engine on its mountings will eventually cause cracks, or their inner fabric may deteriorate due to the hot water. Read more

How to flush an engine radiator

Over a period of years, sediment builds up in a car's cooling system even if antifreeze containing corrosion inhibitors is left in all year round. Read more

How to remove a car radiator

Radiators on earlier cars were made of copper and brass alloys . They could be repaired by soldering. But a number of later cars - including the Mini Metro - have radiators with aluminium cores and plastic top and bottom tanks. Such radiators can be damaged by forcing off a hose or pressure cap , or overtightening a clip. Read more

How to replace a car thermostat

If the engine warms up very slowly, or never reaches normal temperature, or if it overheats quickly, the thermostat is probably faulty. Read more

How to fix a car fan

Electric radiator-fan motors are switched on either by the ignition switch - and run while the engine is working - or by a thermostatic switch . Read more

Checking and topping up car antifreeze coolant

Always use the right kind of antifreeze for your car and keep it at the correct strength, otherwise internal rust or sludge may result. Read more

Checking for coolant leaks

A leak in the water-cooling system can be hard to trace - especially if it is internal, say in the cylinder-head gasket between cylinders . Read more

Fitting an electric fan to a side radiator

Fitting an electric, thermostatically controlled fan in place of the mechanical, engine -driven type can save you fuel and allow you to regain engine power normally wasted in constantly driving the fan. Read more

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