42878A 1 Mercury COVER

Personal injury can result from escaping fluid under pressure.If a pressure indication is shown on the indicator, push the release valve in order to relieve pressure before removing any hose from the radiator.
Check the coolant level in the cooling system. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cooling System Coolant Level - Check". If the coolant level is too low, air will get into the cooling system. Air in the cooling system will cause a reduction in coolant flow and bubbles in the coolant. Air bubbles will keep coolant away from the engine parts, which will prevent the transfer of heat to the coolant. Low coolant level is caused by leaks or incorrectly filling the radiator.
Check the mixture of antifreeze and water. The mixture should be approximately 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze with 3 to 6 percent coolant conditioner. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations". If the coolant mixture is incorrect, drain the system. Put the correct mixture of water, antifreeze and coolant conditioner in the cooling system.
Check for air in the cooling system. Air can enter the cooling system in different ways. The most common causes of air in the cooling system are not filling the cooling system correctly and combustion gas leakage into the cooling system. Combustion gas can get into the system through inside cracks, a damaged cylinder head, or a damaged cylinder head gasket. Air in the cooling system causes a reduction in coolant flow and bubbles in the coolant. Air bubbles keep coolant away from the engine parts, which prevents the transfer of heat to the coolant.
Check the fan clutch. A fan clutch that is not turning at the correct speed can cause improper air speed across the radiator core. The lack of proper air flow across the radiator core can cause the coolant not to cool to the proper temperature differential.
Check the water temperature gauge. A water temperature gauge which does not work correctly will not show the correct temperature. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Inspect".
Check the sending unit. In some conditions, the temperature sensor in the engine sends signals to a sending unit. The sending unit converts these signals to an electrical impulse which is used by a mounted gauge. If the sending unit malfunctions, the gauge can show an incorrect reading. Also if the electric wire breaks or if the electric wire shorts out, the gauge can show an incorrect reading.
Check the radiator.
Check the radiator for a restriction to coolant flow. Check the radiator for debris, dirt, or deposits on the inside of the radiator core. Debris, dirt, or deposits will restrict the flow of coolant through the radiator.
Check for debris or damage between the fins of the radiator core. Debris between the fins of the radiator core restricts air flow through the radiator core. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Inspect".
Ensure that the radiator size is according to the OEM specifications. An undersized radiator does not have enough area for the effective release of heat. This may cause the engine to run at a temperature that is higher than normal. The normal temperature is dependent on the ambient temperature.
Check the filler cap. A pressure drop in the radiator can cause the boiling point to be lower. This can cause the cooling system to boil. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Test".
Check the fan and/or the fan shroud.
The fan must be large enough to send air through most of the area of the radiator core. Ensure that the size of the fan and the position of the fan are according to the OEM specifications.
The fan shroud must be the proper size and the fan shroud must be positioned correctly. Ensure that the size of the fan shroud and the position of the fan shroud are according to the OEM specifications.
Check for loose drive belts.
A loose fan drive belt will cause a reduction in the air flow across the radiator. Check the fan drive belt for proper belt tension. Adjust the tension of the fan drive belt, if necessary. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Belt - Inspect".
A loose water pump drive belt will cause a reduction in coolant flow through the radiator. Check the water pump drive belt for proper belt tension. Adjust the water pump drive belt's tension, if necessary. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Belt - Inspect".
Check the cooling system hoses and clamps. Damaged hoses with leaks can normally be seen. Hoses that have no visual leaks can soften during operation. The soft areas of the hose can become kinked or crushed during operation. These areas of the hose can cause a restriction in the coolant flow. Hoses become soft and/or get cracks after a period of time. The inside of a hose can deteriorate, and the loose particles of the hose can cause a restriction of the coolant flow. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Hoses and Clamps - Inspect/Replace".
Check for a restriction in the air inlet system. A restriction of the air that is coming into the engine can cause high cylinder temperatures. High cylinder temperatures require higher than normal temperatures in the cooling system. Refer to Testing