Yext Auto Repair Article

01.15.09

Radiator Repair

A radiator is a vital component in your car’s cooling system. An engine is made up of a number of moving parts that generate friction which in turn gives off heat. The radiator helps to filter out heat from the engine by taking the coolant, which is used to lower the engine’s temperature, and runs it through the engine absorbing the heat generated from the combustion chamber. The heated coolant is then sent through a cooling system where the heat is released and the coolant is recycled to continue the process. The radiator can be thought of as the temperature regulator of the engine.

A broken radiator is a serious problem and should be sent in for repair as soon as possible. An overheated engine may cause the engine to suddenly halt or stall in the middle of driving.

Non-Radiator Problems
Sometimes problems thought to originate from the radiator are in fact caused by something else. A faulty thermostat or heat gauge is often the cause. The thermostat is used to regulate the temperature in the engine by regulating the flow of coolant through the engine. If the thermostat is broken or damaged, it will lose its ability to properly regulate the amount of coolant needed to cool the engine.

Another possibility is a worn water pump. A car’s water pump is a pump that is driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of an engine. This pump circulates coolant whenever the engine is running. Like the radiator and thermostat, it plays an important role in an engine’s cooling system. If the water pump is faulty or worn, it may fail to pump enough coolant through the system causing the engine to overheat.

Common Radiator Problems
Leaky or loose fittings – over time, car parts will begin to wear. Parts in the radiator that commonly wear over time include: hoses, clamps, sealed seams and secondary fittings.

Damaged Cooling Fins – cooling fins, which are found in most engines, act as a cooling device by conducting heat away from the heat generating source. The fins then utilize their large surface area to filter cool air through to cool the heated parts. Long term exposure to dirt, water, and road salt can damage the cooling fins found on the radiator core.

Cracked Tank – this is one of the most common radiator problems. Oftentimes it is caused by corrosion; sometimes it is the result of internal pressure buildup. Since most radiators have removable tanks, the easiest solution is usually to purchase a new one.

Damaged Fans – fans, like cooling fins, are an important part of the cooling system of the engine. A fan that is fitted improperly can damage the radiator core if the parts rub or hit against each other in rough driving.