Well check the resivor with the car running if there is a change in fill level when you remove the cap then it is flowing, or keep an eye on the temp dials once the temp starts rising feel the tube that goes from the top of the radiator to the engine, if it feels warm then the coolant is flowing.
Check your vehicle handbook for the location of the coolant filler cap – the advice given may vary from car to car. Always ensure the engine is cool before you open the filler cap – pressurised hot water can build up inside. Make sure the coolant is between the min and max marks on the side of the tank.
Your sense of smell may help you detect a coolant leak even if there are no signs of leakage under the car. The engine's temperature may “burn off” coolant that is leaking. You may notice a sweet smell from under the hood after you shut the car off.
If the water pump is not circulating coolant properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. This can lead to serious engine damage if not fixed in a timely manner, so it's important to keep an eye on your vehicle's temperature gauge and keep an eye out for any warning signs of overheating.
Put a bucket under the radiator, remove the bottom hose, which should allow both the radiator and the block to drain. Remove the radiator cap and pour water into the radiator... water should come out the bottom at the same rate you pour it into the top. If none comes out, the radiator is completely blocked.
Well check the resivor with the car running if there is a change in fill level when you remove the cap then it is flowing, or keep an eye on the temp dials once the temp starts rising feel the tube that goes from the top of the radiator to the engine, if it feels warm then the coolant is flowing.
Other than your vehicle running hot, some other signs of a clogged radiator might include radiator hose cracks, low coolant levels, coolant that looks rusty, and leaking coolant.
Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant into the engine keeping it at its optimum operating temperature. The thermostat is closed when the engine is cold. As the engine heats up, the thermostat opens and allows coolant from the radiator to circulate.
Your car's hoses will wear out quickly, especially if you use it for long trips on a daily basis. The hoses could even blow up, allowing coolant to flow freely. Coolant not flowing from reservoir to radiator as a result of a leak could be caused by a faulty radiator.
How can you tell if your water pump is working? If you don't hear any noises from the water pump area when the engine is running, the coolant level is sufficient, and the engine temperature is normal, likely the water pump is fine.
If the coolant levels are dropping but there is no apparent leak, there may be another problem, such as: a bad head gasket (causing the coolant to flow into the cylinder and evaporate) an invisible leakage point (you may need to use an air pump and pressure to try to make the leak visible)
“When the engine is cool, open your hood, and locate the coolant reservoir. The coolant level should be between the F(full) and L(low) marks on the side of the coolant reservoir.”
If your radiator is low while the coolant reservoir remains full, a possible explanation is a coolant leak in the cooling system. Inspect the hoses, connections, and radiator for any visible signs of leaks. Additionally, check beneath your vehicle for puddles of coolant, which could indicate a leak.
Let the engine run for about 10 to 15 minutes to let the coolant circulate freely inside the radiator and allow any trapped air to dissipate.
If you notice coolant on the ground where you park or are constantly needing to add additional coolant to the engine, there is a good chance you have a coolant leak. The cooling system in your car is complex and travels throughout the engine's various components and sections.
Look for leaks in the radiator, engine block, water pump, or hoses. Inspect radiator fins or cooling fan for blockages. Inspect radiator cap and/or seal. Inspect water pump and serpentine belt.
Burping (so named because of the noise made by the bubbles of coolant exiting the radiator filler neck) is done with the radiator cap removed on cars without a valve. You wait for the car to warm up so the thermostat opens, and then the pressure of the expanding coolant being heated drives the air out.
Gauging coolant flow to determine water pump condition is one of the toughest tasks when diagnosing overheating. Soft radiator hoses can simply be squeezed and felt for flow pulsations. Cooling the radiator with spray from a garden hose will help only if adequate coolant is flowing through the radiator.
Some areas receive too much coolant, while other parts receive too little. This can cause certain parts to overheat, leading to engine damage. Unless you want to risk damaging your engine like that, it's best to burp your coolant system every time you drain the coolant.
Generally speaking, it's not safe to mix different types of coolant as this can lead to corrosion and other problems with your car's engine. To make sure your car is running safely, use the same type of coolant for refills or replacements. Click here to read more about why you shouldn't mix coolant types.
Remove the radiator fill cap and pour the heavy-duty radiator flush into the radiator. Fill the remaining empty part of the radiator with fresh water. Place the cap back on the radiator. Start your vehicle and keep it running for almost 15 minutes, allowing the radiator flush to move through the entire cooling system.