How to fix a leaky radiator? #NOCARadd

A leaking radiator is not a minor problem. We cannot move the car without coolant, because the cooling system is responsible for maintaining the optimum operating temperature of the car's engine and preventing it from overheating. It is important that the cooling system is sealed and the coolant is of the correct quality. Let's not take coolant leaks lightly, because its absence can have very serious consequences.

How is it liquid ... and water?

Many people wonder why not just use water in the cooling system instead of a special liquid. The fact is that modern cars are designed in such a way that the cooling system receives heat from the engine through the coolant, and then release them to the environment in a chiller or heat exchanger. Therefore, water cannot be used, since it does not absorb heat to the same extent as special liquids. Besides there are a number of additives in the coolantto protect the entire system from corrosion. If for some reason we need to use water, choose only demineralized water, because ordinary water will cause corrosion and scale formation that can damage the entire system.

The diagnosis is not easy

Although coolant is quite specific and different from other fluids used in a car, it is difficult to clearly recognize a leak, especially if it is small. The type of fluid that comes out of our car is easiest to check when we park on a smooth surface, for example, paving stones, asphalt, concrete. Then it is good to feel the moment when a fresh stain appears most often, and moisten a regular disposable napkin in the stain. The impregnated white cloth becomes liquid in color. - if it is coolant, it may be one of its colors. And they are very different: burgundy, green, pink, blue, yellow and even purple. In any case, each of them is different in color from the oil. You should also smell a wet handkerchief - the smell of coolant is also different from the smell of oil. Of course, a lot depends on the company that produces the product, but most users say that this is slightly sweet smell, unlike any other.

If there is very little liquid

When the leak is already significant, the indicator light on the dashboard will show us that something is wrong. Of course, this does not have to happen immediately - sometimes air enters the system through a leak, filling the expansion tank, "replacing" the liquid circulating in the cooling system. If we will check the condition of the coolant when the engine is cold, we almost certainly won't notice any deviations. Only at high temperatures will the pressure build up, causing fluid to leak out through small leaks. Each of them will grow larger over time. The fault will be fully visible when we are in traffic. If we see steam coming out from under the hood and an arrow pointing in the direction of the red field, we have the last moment to turn off the engine without serious consequences.

Remember: Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. It can burn you!

How do I fix the leak?

Fixing leaks is easy if we know it the culprit for the loss of coolant is the radiator. Then just invest in a new one, install in the right place, fill the system with liquid and drive. It is worse if we do not know exactly where it flows, and there can be many places: from cracked head, worn coolant pump, damaged rubber hoses, rusted and perforated metal pipes to rusted clamps. Then the diagnosis will take more time. However, let's not give up - splashes on concrete, asphalt or cobblestone will help us determine in which part of the chassis to look for damage. If it is small, a special application may suffice. radiator sealantwhich will seal small leaks and microcracks, and generally speaking protects the combustion chamber from damage caused by the ingress of coolant. These types of sealants (if produced by good companies such as Liqui Moly) can be used even for preventive purposes.

new against rusty radiator tube

Replacing a radiator is not that difficult

Replacing a radiator is not a very difficult task if we have a car with good access. First, remove the covers and other parts that prevent the removal of the radiator, then proceed as follows:

1. Start removing water lines
2. Before moving the lower one, put the pelvis
3. Unscrew the radiator mount
4. We can disconnect the plastic connectors and electrical wires from the sensors.
5. We take out the old radiator
6. After transferring from an old cooler to a new one, additional accessories (for example, sensors), as well as supports and fasteners that are not included in the new set, put the new cooler in the right place
7. Fasten mounting
8. We put on covers, water pipes
9. We connect the sensors, making sure that none of the holes in the radiator remains open.

Remember: Last treatment filling the system with coolant and removing air from it. Do not reach for "supermarket" products - buy a liquid that will protect the entire car cooling system from corrosion, overheating and freezing, we have an offer Liquid Moly GTL11 it has excellent parameters and accessories that allow you to use it for a long time.

Looking for other NOCAR recommendations? Check out our blog: Nocar - Tips.

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