Radiators are used to regulate the heat in your vehicle's engine. They are heat exchangers that use engine coolant around the engine block to dissipate heat. Some of the common problems you may encounter with radiators are overheating due to a failing thermostat, air trapped in the cooling system, a failed radiator fan or radiator leaks.
Radiator leaks are the most common problem when it comes to radiator repair. The following is a method you can try that is used by mechanics to fix leaks caused by holes in your radiator system.
1. Finding the Damaged Section
One of the biggest challenges of repairing a leaking radiator is figuring out how to get to the damaged hole. You need to determine if the hole is on the front, on the back or all the way through the radiator.
In many cases, you have to remove the radiator to have a good look at what's going on. It is a generally time consuming process, but it saves you the headache of guessing where the damaged section is. Once you can see your radiator, you'll notice that it has vertical and horizontal rows. The horizontal rows are slightly thicker and that is where the fluid flows to circulate coolant in the radiator.
The vertical rows that are in between have no fluid but are used to dissipate heat by airflow from the movement of the car or the engine's cooling fan. When you find the hole in your horizontal row, then you are ready to start fixing the leak.
2. Fixing The Leak
Essentially, what you want to do is to fold up the side of each horizontal row that is damaged or has an opening because of the hole. You want to achieve the same thing you see from the sealed end of a toothpaste tube.
What you need for this fix is a Leatherman tool or small pliers. Use it to clear off the vertical rows directly above and below the horizontal row that is damaged. This allows for enough space for you to grasp the damaged horizontal row and fold it in accordingly. Because the vertical rows have no fluid in them, clearing them off will not affect the working of your radiator.
The rows tear out fairly easily, so you should make sure you cut all the way through to the radiator. If you still aren't satisfied after folding, you can seal it with any type of sealant recommended for radiators.
If you find that removing and re-installing the radiator is complicated, don't attempt to do it yourself. In such cases, consult a car service to resolve your radiator leaks professionally.
Share15 May 2018
Hi, my name is Katy, and I love to go on long road trips. However, I also know how scary it is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere when your car needs a repair. Because of that, I have figured out which repairs are essential before you go on a long journey. If you are planning a long journey, please explore these posts, tips and ideas. I hope they help you hone on which repairs or services your automobile needs before your next journey. In this blog, I cover everything from services to packing lists and more. Enjoy and thanks for reading!
