Course in Cooling Systems for Historic Cars
300-hour online course in cooling systems for historic cars. 6 modules covering ASTM D3306 (ethylene glycol engine coolants), ASTM D1384 (corrosion test of coolants in glassware) and advanced Excel. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Cooling Systems for Historic Cars — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$887 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the complete operation of a classic engine's cooling circuit.
Verify the water pump, thermostat and regulating elements.
Ensure the tightness of hoses, gaskets and pressure caps.
Diagnose the causes of overheating through pressure tests and thermography.
Select the appropriate coolant and prevent galvanic corrosion.
Clean and descale radiators and block galleries.
Assess cooling upgrades that preserve the vehicle's authenticity.
Who it's for
- Classic engine cooling technician who wants to specialise in Cooling Systems for Historic Cars.
- Radiator restorer who wants to specialise in Cooling Systems for Historic Cars.
- Historic vehicle mechanic who wants to specialise in Cooling Systems for Historic Cars.
- Thermal diagnostics technician who wants to specialise in Cooling Systems for Historic Cars.
- Technical reliability adviser for classic cars who wants to specialise in Cooling Systems for Historic Cars.
- Collection maintenance manager who wants to specialise in Cooling Systems for Historic Cars.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter classic car restoration workshops.
What you'll work with
- ASTM D3306 (ethylene glycol engine coolants)
- ASTM D1384 (corrosion test of coolants in glassware)
- SAE J20 (cooling system hoses)
- ASTM D4340 (corrosion of aluminium heat-transfer surfaces)
- SAE J1508 (hose clamps)
- Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP)
- Directive 2008/98/EC (waste)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Architecture: thermosiphon and pump circulation1.2Circuit components1.3Open and pressurised circuit1.4Expected working temperatures1.5Engine heat balance1.6Symptoms of a deficient circuit1.7Documentation and period specifications1.8Diagnostic tool required1.9Safety with hot circuits1.10Workshop: characterising a vehicle's circuit
2.1Water pump: types and rebuilding2.2Pump seals and bearings2.3Drive belts and pulleys2.4Thermostat and its testing2.5Valves and bypass2.6Radiator shutter regulation2.7Temperature sensors and warning lights2.8Temperature gauges and their calibration2.9Mechanical and electric fans2.10Practice: rebuilding a water pump
3.1Period hoses and their reproduction3.2Clamps and their correct type3.3Cylinder head and manifold gaskets3.4Drain plugs and their preservation3.5Radiator cap and opening pressure3.6Expansion tank where fitted3.7Circuit pressure test3.8Detecting internal leaks3.9Combustion gases in the coolant3.10Practice: pressure test and leak location
4.1Causes in the circuit and in the engine4.2Temperature measurement at several points4.3Diagnosing actual flow rate4.4Blockages in block and cylinder head4.5Ignition and carburation as a cause4.6Engine bay ventilation problems4.7Overheating in town and on motorway4.8Vehicle history as a clue4.9Order of checks4.10Practice: guided diagnosis of an overheating
5.1Water, antifreeze and inhibitors5.2Compatibility with engine metals5.3Electrolysis and its measurement5.4Cleaning the block and passages5.5Water jackets and their blockage5.6Descaling and its risks5.7Coolant change frequency5.8Coolant analysis5.9Waste management5.10Practice: cleaning and refilling plan
6.1Electric fan in a period installation6.2Higher-capacity radiator6.3High-flow pumps and their real effect6.4Baffles and improved ventilation6.5Reversibility of each upgrade6.6Balancing authenticity and reliability6.7Documented periodic maintenance6.8Common errors on classic cars6.9Real solved cases6.10Final project: revised and documented cooling circuit
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Advanced Excel, MATLAB, FLIR Thermal Studio, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for cooling circuit pressure testing, thermography of the radiator and engine block, and coolant analysis with a refractometer. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the complete operation of a classic engine's cooling circuit.
Verify the water pump, thermostat and regulating elements.
Ensure the tightness of hoses, gaskets and pressure caps.
Diagnose the causes of overheating through pressure tests and thermography.
Select the appropriate coolant and prevent galvanic corrosion.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 total hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
Work is carried out with Advanced Excel, MATLAB, FLIR Thermal Studio and SolidWorks Flow Simulation. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM's own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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