Keep It Cool!

If there is one bit of old car advice I can give you leading into these hot Summer months: Go through your cooling system and make sure it’s dialed in. We’ve all been there at some point, whether on a hot desert drive or just idling too long at a cruise- Boil over. There’s nothing worse than that burning coolant smell as you watch the temp gauge peg the needle, the steam rising, and motor starting to falter. I’ve attached an article form the January 1956 issue of Rodding and Restyling on the subject of cooling, but I can sum up my personal temperature system check list you in three parts:

1. Inspect the components. Look for pin holes, damaged fins or leaking tubes on the radiator. Check the water pump for a loose shaft or bad bearing. Running the correct pressure cap? How’s the fan belt and hoses?

2. Run the right coolant. I personally mix about 60% distilled water to 40% antifreeze, but find the right mix for your particular car. I’m shocked by how many guys run rusty ‘garden hose’ water in their motors and then wonder why it runs hot all the time!

3. Speaking of rust, flush your entire cooling system every 4 or 5 years. Seriously, if you’ve never done this on an old motor you will be utterly shocked at how much rust and grime is laying in the passage ways of your engine block and causing cooling problems.

Keep it cool this Summer!