Cause

Trouble

Remedy

Overheating

Heat generated in cylinder not being successfully disposed of by radiator

Insufficient water in system

Top up radiator

Fan belt slipping (shrieking noise on rapid engine acceleration

Tighten fan belt to recommended tension, replace if worn

Radiator core blocked or grill restricted

Reverse flush radiator, remove obstruction

Bottom water hose collapsed, impeding flow

Fit new hose

Thermostat not opening properly

Fit new thermostat

Ignition timing incorrectly set (Accompanied by loss of power and misfiring)

Check and reset ignition timing

Carburettors incorrectly adjusted (mixture to weak)

Tune Carburettors

Exhaust system partially blocked

Check exhaust pipe for dents and blockage

Oil level in sump to low

Top up sump to full mark on dipstick

Blown cylinder head gasket (water/steam being forced down the radiator overflow pipe under pressure)

Remove cylinder head and fit new gasket

Engine not yet run in

Run in slowly and carefully

Brakes binding

Check and adjust brakes as necessary

Underheating

Too much heat being dispersed by radiator

Thermostat jammed open

Replace thermostat

Incorrect temperature thermostat fitted (opening at too lower temperature)

Replace thermostat with correct temperature value

Thermostat missing

Fit thermostat

Loss of Cooling Water

Leaks in system

Loose clips on water hoses

Check and tighten clips as necessary

Top, Bottom or by-pass water hoses perished and leaking

Check and replace any faulty hoses

Radiator core leaking

Remove radiator and repair

Thermostat gasket leaking

Inspect and renew gasket

Radiator pressure cap spring worn or seal ineffective

Renew pressure cap

Blown cylinder head gasket (water/steam being forced down the radiator overflow pipe under pressure)

Remove cylinder head and fit new gasket

Cylinder wall or head cracked

Dismantle engine, dispatch to engineering work for repair