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' . V Troubleshooting the car heating system PAGE 11 - PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY. OCTOBER 15.1*82 Choosing a mechanic @During the cold^winter months ahead, don't g^t stuck with a heater that doesn't work. A car's heating system is much like its cooling system. In addition to the ductwork, the basic elements of any car heating system are: 1) the heater core which is in essence a miniature radiator, and 2) two hoses, one of which trans­ ports hot coolant to the heater core in the passenger compart­ ment while the second hose re­ turns this coolant to the en­ gine. <? To help familiarize you with some causes and cures of heat­ ing system problems. The Gates Rubber Company has developed this troubleshoot­ ing guide. Troubleshooting guide When your car heater is not producing enough heat, any of the following may be the cause: 1. The flow of air under the dash may be blocked. 2. Coolant level in the radi­ ator may be low. 3. Heater hoses may be leaking. If a leak is the prob­ lem, the hose must be re­ placed. 4. Heater hoses may be fail­ ing. If hoses are mushy or cracked, they should be re­ placed. An obstruction in the hose may also be the cause for hose failure. 5. Hoses may be bent or kinked. 6. If the car's heater hoses have recently been removed for any reason, they may not have been properly recon­ nected. 7. Air may be trapped in the system. This would restrict the coolant. The solution to this is to bleed the system. 8. The blower motor may not be properly working. This could be caused by a blown fuse, faulty blower resistor, bad blower motor switch, a loose connection, or a bumed- out motor. 9. The cooling system ther­ mostat may be stuck in the open position. When this hap­ pens, the coolant will not heat up properly. And, if the cool­ ant is too cold, heat output will be insufficient. The thermostat should be removed, tested, and replaced if necessary. 10. Doors to the heater as­ sembly may be stuck. 11. Heater core may be clogged. If this is the case, the core should be removed from the car and cleaned out. If the problem still exists, the heater core should be replaced. 12. Water pump belt may be worn and need replacing. If the pump belt has become loose due to wear, it will not drive the water pump effi­ ciently. This, in turn, means that the cooling system will not operate efficiently. Good idea It's a good idea to have your car's heating system checked out as part of the "winteriz­ ing" which should be per­ formed before cold weather hits. Conscientious preventive maintenance can help avoid heating problems which al­ ways seem to occur at the most inconvenient of times. GO FOR LIGHTER WEIGHT Cold weather tends to thicken motor oil and that makes your engine sluggish and hard to start. You may also experience poor fuel econ­ omy. What's the answer? Use a lighter weight, multigrade oil in the winter-time. Check your owner's manual for spe­ cific recommendations. CAR OWNERS seeking competent repair work should look for facilities where the National Institute for Automo­ tive Service Excellence (NIASE) outdoor sign and indoor display board are visible, or where mechanics wear the orange, blue and white shoulder patches. When in doubt, ask the question: "Are vour mechanics certified by NIASE?" HERE NOW!!! Just Arrived New Shipment of FIRESTONE ALL SEASON TIMS Hurry and Save! EXCIH „ $in BATTERIES • 111 OFF McHenrv Tire Mart 3931 W. Main McHenry, III. 385-0294 24 HOUR TOWING Z. BODY REPAIRING & PAINTING AUTO & TRUCK * 24 HOUR TOWING COMPLETE BODY SHOP INSURANCE WORK WELCOME ALL MAKES & MODELS AMERICAN ft FOREIGN "NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL" * COLOR MATCHING SPECIALISTS • CALL 385-7448 R & D A u t o S e r v i c e OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE -y ONE MILE SOUTH OF McHENRY - WEST OF RT. 31 t f 4250 BULL VALLEY RD. McHENRY RT. 12 FOX LAKE (312) 587-2555 •COUPON1 FRONT END SAFETY INSPECTION INCLUDES SHOCKS, STEERING LINKAGE, UP­ PER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. FOR YOUR| SAFE WINTER DRIVING. OFFER EXPIRES THANKSGIVING EVE. NOV. 24 GOOD WITH COUPON ONLY I LUBRICATION SPECIAL Change oil up to 4 qts. Lubricate com­ plete front end suspension. Inspect shocks, steering linkage, upper and lower ball joints. COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE Pressure test system for leaks, inspect all hoses and freeze plugs for leaks. Flush system and install new coolant for - 25°. TUNE-UP SPECIAL Replace spark plugs, fuel filter, adjust ^uretor and idle speed, inspect choke eternal linkage, adjust timing, adjust'ffelTS^nsion, clean battery ter­ minals, servioi\ manifold heat control £Cy| valve, scope engine --J --J and road test vehicle. Add $6.40 forA/C 4cyl. *000 w°[ *66°°! 8 cyl. FRONT DISC BRAKE PACKAGE SPECIj Pull both front wheels, clean and inspect bearings and races for damage, inspect front rotars for lateral run-out, repack bearings, adjust wheel bearings for proper inplay clearance and install new grease seals. Includes all brake pads, refacing both rotors and packing front wheel bearings. GM cars only. J125°° WE SERVICE ALL OM CARS BUICKS • PONTIACS • CADILLACS • OLDSMOBILES • CHEVROLETS OPEN MON. THRU FRI. 7:30AM TO 5:00PM 24 HOUR TOWING 587-2555 AFTER 5PM ft WEEKENDS 587-7525