ABOUT COOLING SYSTEMS

What is a radiator?

Heavy machinery and automobile engines, which consist of moving parts interacting with each other, operate at high temperatures due to friction. If this ever-increasing temperature is not suppressed, a dangerous explosion risk can occur. The part that keeps the engine temperature in the 80-100 degrees Celsius band, which is accepted as the safe range, is called the radiator. This component, which serves to cool the engine by preventing overheating, is based on the principle of liquid cooling in modern avtomotives and heavy machines.

How Does a Radiator Work?

The work machine and car engine cooling system consists of a pressurized system in which many components work together.

The coolant (antifreeze) moved by the water pump moves along the engine block, ensuring the absorption of high heat.

When the coolant leaving the engine at high temperature returns to the radiator cores, it is cooled again with the help of the air taken from the grille of the car.

The liquid cooled in the honeycombs returns to the engine and the same cycle is repeated many times.

Meanwhile, the heated liquid is transmitted to the auto heater cores with the help of small channels on the thermostat. Thanks to this process, the engine temperature is used to warm the interior of the vehicle. The thermostat acts to regulate the fluid flow.

Since the engine temperature does not rise much in relatively cold weather conditions, the fluid flow is restricted by the thermostat. In this case, the coolant leaving the engine returns to the engine without the need for cooling in the radiator.

Since the overheating of the engine can bring any liquid to the boiling point in a short time, a mechanism that balances the pressure in the system is used to prevent this situation.

Working in a similar way to a pressure cooker, the boiling point of the liquid is increased by increasing the pressure in the cooling system.

What Are Radiator Parts?

The most basic components of cooling systems operating by applying various laws of physics are:

Cooling Fan:

The cooling system uses atmospheric air to lower the engine temperature while the vehicle is running. The cooling fan kicks in when idling or stopping in traffic, where sufficient air cannot be taken from outside. The fan increases the amount of air flow in front of the radiator, increasing the cooling efficiency to a satisfactory level.

Water Pump:

The power of the water pump is used to deliver the coolant to the water jackets around the engine, the radiator itself, and the reservoir tank.

Thermostat: 

The thermostat helps keep the coolant at a set constant temperature. It also stops the flow to prevent the circulation of liquid in severe cold weather conditions.

Radiator Cap:

The temperature of the coolant can rise up to 120 degrees Celsius in some cases, causing high pressure. A radiator cap consisting of pressure and vacuum valves is used to balance the pressure. In order to reduce the pressure of the expanding liquid, the pressure valve is opened and the liquid accumulated in the honeycombs is transported to the reservoir tank. When the pressure drops, the vacuum valve activates and returns the coolant to the radiator.

Copper or Aluminum Radiator?

Copper is at a disadvantage in terms of weight and cost. It is not preferred because it will add extra weight to the machine and because of its high cost. However, its durability is higher than aluminum, but it will do your job in aluminum radiators. Caution, fake radiators made with metal sheet should be avoided.

Radiator replacement Significance?

The radiator performs a critical function; protects the engine from overheating. When the engine is running, the engine generates heat. Coolant flowing through the system absorbs and removes excess heat from the engine oil. The coolant passes through the radiator where it is cooled and then returns to the engine to reabsorb the heat.

A radiator has two tanks connected to each other by means of aluminum or brass tubes. When the coolant passes through these tubes, the radiator cooling fan blows air on the radiator to lower the coolant temperature. The tank is usually made of plastic, and it's common for it to crack and start leaking coolant. If the tank or pipes crack, coolant will leak, the vehicle will overheat and serious engine damage can result. Radiators also tend to clog over time. When this happens, not enough coolant flows through the radiator thereby causing the engine to overheat. When replacing the radiator, it is best to also replace the radiator cap and thermostat. After your radiator has been replaced, it should be checked for leaks to check if everything is working properly. When the radiator is replaced, the entire cooling system must be checked, especially the radiator hoses. If a faulty radiator is not replaced, engine overheating can potentially cause serious engine damage.

What are the Radiator Failure Symptoms?

Car radiator failures can develop more or less quickly, depending on the nature of the problem. Knowing the first signs of a faulty radiator will help you prevent major engine problems.

1) Engine Overheating

  When a malfunction occurs in the radiator, the temperature indicator on your instrument panel gives you the first warning. This could be a sign of impending radiator problems. A faulty thermostat can cause this. When the thermostat is not opened, the engine will overheat and cause a malfunction.

2) Coolant Leaks

If you suspect a radiator malfunction, open the hood with the engine cold and take a look around the radiator. Never touch the radiator or the engine before the vehicle has cooled, as the components will be extremely hot. If you notice any leaks around the radiator or cooling system, your radiator is starting to fail.

Coolant is generally red, yellow, blue or green in color. If the coolant level is too low, the engine may overheat.

3) Coolant Discoloration

The coolant in your vehicle should normally be yellow, green, blue or red. When the radiator fails, contaminants discolor the fluid and turn it a rusty or oily color. A contaminated fluid loses its fluidity and fails to efficiently cool the engine.

4) Vapors from Radiator or Engine Surroundings

If you see condensation or smoke coming out of the radiator or around the engine, this may indicate a malfunction in the radiator system. Take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop and have it checked.