subject: An Overview of Radiators and Some Useful Tips [print this page] An Overview of Radiators and Some Useful Tips
Radiators are the most important component of the internal combustion engine cooling system. It keeps the engine's temperature under control, without them there would no way to keep the engine from overheating. For this reason radiators are called as the heart of the cooling system. Radiators are come in all sizes and shapes, depending on the space and requirements of the car or truck.
Types of Radiators
There are two different types of radiators used in the vehicles:
- Top Flow
Top flow radiators are mostly seen in old models and they are not as efficient as the newer cross flow deign. Top flow radiators takes in the hot fluid on top row and cools it down as it flows down to the bottom. They are much taller in size as compared to the new design.
- Cross Flow
Cross flow radiators are much shorter in size as compared to the top flow radiators, which occupied more space under the engine hood. So cross flow design is more appropriate regarding the space constraints of new coming vehicles. In cross flow radiators the coolant pushed into the radiator at one end and compelled across the radiator, making use of more cooling tubes and so, cooling the mixture more efficiently.
How to Flush Car Radiator
The most important task of the radiator is cool down the engine by circulating water or antifreeze agent through the pipes. It is suggested that the radiator should be flushed at least once in six months for its efficient working. Hereunder are given some instructions to flush or fix car radiators.
1. Park the car on a level surface. Switch off the engine and wait for engine to cool down.
2. Open the engine hood, remove the radiator cap and open the drain hole at the bottom to let the water or coolant flow out. Detach the upper and lower hoses and replace them if they are not in good shape.
3. Examine the water in the drain pan for contaminants. Any sign of rust and black substance means you need to flush the radiator.
4. Take a garden hose and spray the water into the radiator to clean it from all impurities and contaminants.
5. Do not forget engine cooling jacket while flushing; wash it to remove all the dirt.
6. Replace the drain hole cap. Fill the radiator with new coolant as recommended for your vehicle. Make sure that you refill the radiator only to the required level. Fix all the upper and lower hoses properly.
7. Once you are finished with it, check the radiator cap for any signs of rust or if it is worn out. If so, get a new one. Replace the radiator cap and take a look that if there is any leak.
Start the engine and leave it working for some time. Check the cooling system working properly or not. Again check for leak and coolant level in radiator.
