5 Signs that your radiator is faulty or clogged
The radiator is important for engine cooling and efficiency. If your radiator is broken or clogged, your car is at risk of overheating. An overheated vehicle usually won’t get very far before grinding to a complete halt. This can turn a relatively inexpensive repair into a very expensive one.
What does a car radiator do? Cars used to be air-cooled. Today, as engines have gotten larger and more complex, almost all engines are water-cooled. The term “water” is often used synonymously with coolant, radiator fluid, and antifreeze.
Functionality
Water cooling is achieved by pumping coolant through small channels in the engine block. Hot coolant from the block returns to the radiator through hose circuits. Air flows from front to back through the radiator, and coolant flows from side to side through the radiator. As the air flows through the radiator fins, it takes heat away from the radiator.
Where is the cooler? Most radiators are located in front of the engine. As you move forward, air flows through a grille into the radiator.
Symptoms of a clogged or damaged radiator
1) Overheating (a symptom of an overheating engine)
Overheating is the easiest sign of a radiator problem. If your car is overheating, there are a few components to check. Once the engine has cooled, make sure there is enough coolant in the cooling system. You should also check if the head gasket and intake manifold gasket are still in good condition.
2) Coolant Leaks
Leaks usually occur when the radiator is faulty. If you notice coolant leaking from the front of the engine, it may be time to replace the radiator.
In some cases, leaks may only occur when the cooling system is under pressure. You can check for leaks with a radiator pressure tester. These kits are available for $50 to $100, but you can probably rent one for free at your local auto parts store.
Make sure your coolant hoses aren’t leaking. Replacing these will be much cheaper than replacing the entire radiator. You can find many hoses at your local auto parts store for just a few dollars.
3) Low Coolant Light
Newer vehicles may warn you when the coolant level is low. If the low coolant light is on but your car isn’t overheating, you should still stop and check the coolant level if it’s safe to do so. Driving with a low coolant level can damage your engine.
4) Sludge Formation
Coolant is often fluorescent green, but can also be blue or orange. If the coolant looks dark brown or black, it’s probably time to change it. If you drain the coolant and notice lumps or a thick, viscous mass, you may have a clogged radiator.
5) Water Pump Failure
Did you know that a faulty radiator could be the cause of your water pump failing? If there is air in your cooling system, your water pump may not be getting a steady supply of coolant.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to have your entire cooling system checked. A misadjusted timing belt can cause the water pump to fail.
What causes a radiator to fail?
Plastic deteriorates over time. Old plastic radiators can crack and leak coolant from all over the place. If the plastic around your radiator has turned brown, it may be time to be proactive and replace your radiator.
Regularly changing the coolant will prevent radiator corrosion.
Will the cooler make any strange noises if it breaks down? The cooler itself should not make any noise. If you hear a hissing sound along with steam, you may have a pinhole leak in the cooling system. In many cases, if the radiator breaks down, there will be no strange noises at all.
