Cooling System Diagnosis, Radiator Repairs, Coolant Service & Overheating Problems
Your vehicle’s cooling system is responsible for controlling engine temperature and protecting the engine from overheating. A cooling system fault can quickly lead to more serious problems including cylinder head damage, head gasket failure and internal engine damage if the cause is not identified and repaired.
UMR Engines can diagnose cooling system problems on passenger vehicles, 4WDs and light commercial vehicles, including coolant leaks, overheating, radiator problems, thermostat faults, water pump problems and cooling fan concerns.
Cooling System Services
Depending on the symptoms and condition of the vehicle, cooling system inspection and repair can include:
- Cooling system pressure testing
- Coolant leak diagnosis
- Radiator inspection and replacement
- Radiator and cooling system flushing
- Engine coolant replacement
- Radiator cap inspection
- Radiator hose inspection and replacement
- Heater hose inspection and replacement
- Thermostat inspection and replacement
- Water pump inspection
- Cooling fan and fan-control diagnosis
- Drive belt inspection
- Head gasket investigation
Is Your Engine Running Hot?
An engine running hotter than normal should be investigated rather than simply topping up the coolant and continuing to drive.
Possible causes of overheating or coolant loss can include:
- Blocked or restricted radiator
- Coolant leaks
- Split or deteriorated hoses
- Faulty thermostat
- Water pump problems
- Cooling fan faults
- Faulty radiator cap
- Incorrect or deteriorated coolant
- Head gasket failure
- Cylinder head problems
Finding the cause of the overheating is important before more serious engine damage occurs.
Blocked & Restricted Radiators
A radiator can appear serviceable externally while internal restrictions significantly reduce coolant flow. Reduced flow through the radiator core can limit the cooling system’s ability to remove heat from the engine.
Restricted Coolant Flow
This radiator shows coolant flowing through only part of the radiator core. Restricted passages reduce the effective cooling area available to control engine temperature.
A restriction like this can contribute to overheating even when there is no obvious external radiator leak.
Internal Radiator Blockage
This close-up shows significant restriction within the radiator core. Internal contamination and deterioration can progressively reduce coolant flow and radiator efficiency.
The condition of the radiator should therefore be considered when diagnosing recurring overheating or cooling system problems.
Coolant Condition & Replacement
Modern engines commonly use aluminium cylinder heads, radiators and other cooling system components. Using coolant suitable for the vehicle is important for both temperature control and corrosion protection.
Coolant deteriorates with age and service conditions. The correct coolant specification and replacement interval should be determined according to the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.
UMR Engines can inspect coolant condition and carry out cooling system flushing and coolant replacement where required.
Radiator, Hoses & Cooling Components
Cooling system diagnosis involves more than checking the radiator. Hoses, thermostat, water pump, radiator cap, cooling fans and related components can all contribute to overheating or coolant loss.
Radiators that are leaking, damaged, cracked or internally restricted may require repair or replacement depending on their construction and condition.
UMR Engines can inspect the system and advise which components require attention rather than replacing parts without first investigating the cause.
Overheating & Head Gasket Problems
Continued overheating can cause serious engine damage. Excessive engine temperature can contribute to cylinder head distortion, head gasket failure and other internal engine problems.
If coolant is disappearing without an obvious external leak, the cooling system may require further investigation to determine whether the loss is external or occurring internally within the engine or associated components.
For suspected cylinder head or head gasket problems, UMR Engines also has in-house engine machining and cylinder head reconditioning capability.
Learn more about Blown Head Gasket Repairs →
Having Cooling System Problems?
Send us a booking request online or call our workshop to discuss overheating, coolant loss or other cooling system concerns.