Cooling system problems result in overheating and engine damage if not handled at once. Overheating could be caused by:

a) a bad water pump

b) a clogged radiator

c) leaking hoses

d) a broken radiator fan

e) a bad radiator core

f) a broken thermostat

g) the radiator cap needing to be replaced

h) low coolant level

Â

Water pumps wear out and then the coolant ceases to circulate out of the engine into the radiator where it will get cooled off.

As we have discussed radiators can clog and need to be flushed out or more likely "rodded out'. The radiator core can wear out and spring a leak. You will probably need a new radiator, unless the radiator shop can re-condition yours.

Hoses are rubber. Due to age, weather, and the heat going through them radiator hoses can leak, and consequently need replacing.

For engines with an electric fan, if the fan does not turn on and if the car is at a standstill with the engine running the radiator will overheat. If the fan is broken the radiator will only cool down when the car is moving (as the cooler air hits the outside of the radiator and cools the hotter air in the radiator).

If the top radiator hose is cool or sometimes completely cold, then the thermostat is not opening to let the hot water from the engine get to the radiator so it can be cooled.