Buick Encore: General Cooling System Service
This article is generic in nature and all information does not apply to all
vehicles including those without a
liquid cooling system. For vehicle specific information, see the appropriate
articles in the ENGINE category.
DESCRIPTION
The liquid cooling system consists of a radiator, water pump, thermostat,
electric or belt-driven cooling fan,
pressure cap, heater, and various connecting hoses and cooling passages in the
engine block and cylinder head.
MAINTENANCE
DRAINING
Remove radiator cap and open heater control valve to maximum heat position.
Open drain cocks or remove
plugs in bottom of radiator and engine block. In-line engines usually have one
plug or drain cock, while "V"
type engines have 2, one in each bank of cylinders.
FLUSHING
CAUTION: Some manufacturers use an aluminum and plastic radiator.
Flushing
solution must be compatible with aluminum.
Radiator
Connect flushing gun to water outlet of radiator. Disconnect water inlet
hose. To prevent flooding engine, use a
hose connected to radiator inlet. Use air in short bursts to prevent damage to
radiator. Continue flushing until
water runs clear.
Engine Block
To flush engine, remove thermostat. Connect flushing gun to water outlet of
radiator. Use air in short bursts to
prevent damage to radiator. Continue flushing until water runs clear.
REFILLING
To prevent air from being trapped in engine block, engine should be running
when refilling cooling system.
After system is full, continue running engine until thermostat is open, then
recheck fill level. Do not overfill
system.
TESTING
THERMOSTAT
- Remove and inspect thermostat for corrosion and proper seating of valve.
If okay, suspend thermostat and
thermometer in a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. See Fig. 1. DO NOT
allow thermostat or
thermometer to touch bottom or container. Heat water until thermostat begins
to open.
- Read temperature on thermometer. This is the initial opening temperature
and should be within
specification. Continue heating water until thermostat is fully open and
note temperature. This is the fully
open temperature. If either reading is not to specification, replace
thermostat.
Fig. 1: Testing Thermostat in Coolant/Water Solution
PRESSURE TESTING
A pressure tester is used to check both radiator cap and complete cooling
system. Follow pressure tester
manufacturer instructions and test components as follows:
Radiator Cap
Visually inspect radiator cap. If cap looks okay, connect pressure tester to
cap. See Fig. 2. Pressurize tester to
full radiator cap specification. Replace cap if it fails to hold pressure.
Fig. 2: Pressure Testing Radiator Cap
Cooling System
- Turn ignition off and allow engine to cool. Ensure radiator if filled to
correct level. Remove cap and
attach pressure tester to radiator. Pressurize tester to full radiator
rating specification.
- If pressure drops, check for external leaks. If no leaks are found,
start engine and allow to idle. If pressure
builds up immediately, check cylinder head and block for cracks. If pressure
does not build up
immediately, go to next step.
CAUTION: DO NOT allow excess pressure to build in cooling system or
damage
may result.
- Using pressure tester, pump cooling system up to pressure specified on
radiator cap. If pump gauge
pointer vibrates, compression or combustion leak into cooling system is
indicated. Isolate leak by
shorting each spark plug wire to cylinder block. Gauge pointer vibration
will stop or decrease when
leaking cylinder is shorted.
READ NEXT:
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to
be specific to any
unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. For model-specific
information see appropriate articles whe
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to
be specific to any
unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. For model-specific
information see appropriate articles whe
NOTE: This article is intended for general information purposes
only. It does not apply
specifically to one make or model.
PURPOSE
NOTE: This article is intended for general information purposes
onl
SEE MORE:
SCHEMATIC WIRING DIAGRAMS
HVAC WIRING SCHEMATICS (ENCORE)
Power, Ground, and Blower Motor
Fig. 1: Power, Ground, and Blower Motor
Compressor Controls
Fig. 2: Compressor Controls
Duct and Evaporator Temperature Sensors
Fig. 3: Duct and Evaporator Temperature Sensors
Mode and Temperature Control
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal may keep the airbag system
from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing,
including improperly repairing or
replacing, any parts of the following: