Auto Radiator Repair
Basics
As vehicle cooling systems have evolved, auto radiator repair has changed. Radiator repair shops are now somewhat of a rarity. While they do exist, the manufacturing processes for automobile parts has often made radiator repair less than cost effective. The process by which radiators work hasn't changed much, and a little knowledge can go a long way towards helping keep things cool.
Radiators depend on three major factors to work correctly:
Airflow:
- Radiators need the proper amount of airflow to function. Anything positioned in front of the radiator can prevent airflow and cause cooling issues.
- Under car components such as belly pans or front air spoilers can help to route air through the radiator. For that reason these parts should never be removed or modified.
- Inoperable cooling fans can cause overheating in hot summer months. A non-working fan may go unnoticed in cold weather, but can generate a surprising amount of much needed cool air in stop and go traffic.
Coolant level/condition:
- Contamination can form internal blockages in coolant passages. These blockages can cause a backup and hamper cooling. This is why it is important for any car without a lifetime coolant to have regular cooling system flushes.
- Low coolant levels can also cause an engine to overheat. While the system may work well enough with the amount of airflow it receives while traveling at highway speed, if an inadequate amount of coolant is circulating, the engine will likely overheat in low speed driving.
- A thermostat that is stuck closed will prevent proper circulation.
Pressure:
- The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through passages in the engine block and into the radiator. When it enters the radiator, cooler air flows through the fins and removes heat. At this point, the coolant is recirculated back into the engine where the cycle repeats. Flow issues with the pump can prevent even the best radiator from adequately cooling the engine.
- When you pressurize a liquid, you increase its boiling point. In an automotive cooling system, the radiator cap is responsible for keeping the system under pressure. If the cap can't hold pressure, the system will begin to leak or overheat. There are commercial tools available to test the pressure holding ability of both the radiator cap and cooling system.
- Many radiators are now partially made of plastic. Cracks in plastic portions can sometimes be repaired, but a full radiator replacement may still be necessary. Holes found in the metal portion of a radiator (referred to as "fins") may be fixable, but it is often worth investigating the cost of a new unit before getting a repair quote.
If you have a classic car with cooling issues, a radiator repair shop may be the only way to keep the original radiator in working order. In situations like these, a good repair man my be the difference between keeping a collectible car all-original and being forced to add a new replacement part. Even in the modern replacement-prone world, skilled repairmen are a valuable asset. Their skills may not be as in demand as they once were in the realm of passenger cars, but they still offer a necessary service when replacement is not an option.
