What causes coolant to not flow?

The coolant level could be extremely low because of long-term neglect, or because a coolant leak has developed in the radiator or radiator hoses. The thermostat that allows coolant to circulate may be stuck in the closed position or a clog may have developed, perhaps from debris in the cooling system.

Can you put water in the thermostat?

Air can’t heat it, so you get no circulation. One little hole fixes it. The water will not move past the thermostat until the engine has reached operating temperature and the thermostat opens.

How do you tell if your radiator is clogged?

Pull off the radiator cap on a cold vehicle. Turn your flashlight on and point it into the radiator while you peer inside. If the fluid looks like mud water or smells of rubber, or if the fins are corroded with white crusty deposits, your radiator is not functioning at 100\% and is clogged.

Why would a thermostat not open?

Stuck open means too much coolant is being allocated to the engine, causing the engine to be abnormally cool. If the thermostat is stuck closed, that means not enough fluid is going into the engine and the engine will overheat.

How do you test if a thermostat is working?

Raise the thermostat heat settings slowly. The thermostat should emit a clicking sound and the furnace should also make a sound. If the furnace does not make a sound, the thermostat is not sending a signal and needs to be replaced. Turn off the breaker to your furnace.

How do you test a radiator for a blockage?

Turn on your flashlight, and point it downwards into the radiator. Look for an uneven flow of coolant. If the radiator is blocked, the coolant will not flow evenly. Another quick way to check for a clogged radiator is to ask someone to rev the engine while you are squeezing the radiator hose.

What happens when water pump goes out?

When the water pump fails completely, it will not be able to circulate coolant through the engine block. This results in an overheating situation and if not repaired or replaced quickly, can cause additional engine damage like cracked cylinder heads, pushed head gaskets, or burnt pistons.

What should I do if my thermostat won’t turn on?

If that is the case, you’ll need to move the thermostat to a better location. Check the manufacturer’s product manual to adjust the cycle time. Check to make sure the thermostat is on and programmed to “Heat” or “Cool” your home. Turn off the thermostat and then back on to reset the system. If none of these solutions work, contact us today.

What happens if your thermostat is stuck in your car?

A stuck thermostat can overheat and seriously damage your car engine. The best way to go about your repair job—if this is your first time replacing a car thermostat—is to use the service manual for your particular vehicle make and model.

Why is there no coolant coming out of my water pump?

The impeller on the back of the water pump may not actually be moving any coolant because it’s broken off or is massively corroded. There may be air that needs to be bled out of the cooling system.

How do you drain the coolant from the upper radiator hose?

Drain about two quarts of coolant using the radiator drain valve before disconnecting the upper radiator hose from the thermostat shell. This will bring the coolant level to below the thermostat housing and prevent coolant from splashing over belts and other components after separating the upper radiator hose.