Some overheating problems aren’t related to the cooling system at all. Other circumstances that can cause a vehicle to overheat include lack of oil, a blown head gasket, and transmission problems. If the cooling system seems to be in good order after you check it and do the maintenance work in this chapter, investigate these possibilities :

• Late timing : If you haven’t tuned and timed your engine recently, late timing may be causing it to overheat by making the spark plugs fire the fuel/air mixture after the piston moves back down from the top of its stroke. When the spark plugs fire too late to allow all the gases to burn properly, more heat burdens your cooling system. Late timing alone doesn’t cause a car to overheat by more than a few degrees, but coupled with other problems, it can bring the engine temperature to a critical point. The remedy is simple: Just check your timing and adjust it.

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Many cars have a thermostatic spring choke. Some are riv­eted in place and can only be overhauled by a mechanic, but if you have an older car and have trouble starting it in the morning, you may be able to adjust yours.

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1. Dirt

a. Dirt in the Lubricating System
The presence of dirt particles entrained in the lubrication system is one of the most frequent causes of bearing damage. The root of the problem is usually that the engine is not sufficiently clean. In line with the nature and size of the foreign
particles, the bearing will exhibit a correspondingly lesser or greater degree of circumferential scratching and, usually, any debris that may have become embedded in the lining.
Recommendation : when repairing the engine, ensure that the entire lubrication system is carefully cleaned

b. Dirt on bearing back
The presence of a foreign particle trapped between the bearing back and its housing will lead to a raised area, with the  ensuing risk of contact between this protruding high-spot and the journal. Signs of this will be seen in the area opposite
the particle, along the inner surface of the bearing, where there will be evidence of marked localized wear. Recommendation : ensure that all housings in which bearings are to be seated, are carefully cleaned prior to  assembly.

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A. Cylinder Head Cover Removal.

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the ignition coil assy. with the spark plugs wires.
3. Remove the PCV valve and breather hose from the head cover
4. Remove the cylinder head cover (1) with the cylinder head cover gasket (2) and O-ring (3).

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CAUSES OF OVERHEATING

Overheating can be caused by anything that decreases the cooling system’s ability to absorb, transport and dissipate heat: A low coolant level, a coolant leak (through internal or external leaks), poor heat conductivity inside the engine because of accumulated deposits in the water jackets, a defective thermostat that doesn’t open, poor airflow through the radiator, a slipping fan clutch, an inoperative electric cooling fan, a collapsed lower radiator hose, an eroded or loose water pump impeller, or even a defective radiator cap.