The engine cooling radiator is a very important component of the car. This system without interruption removes excess heat from the motor and dissipates it into the environment. A fully operational heat exchanger is a guarantee of the optimum temperature for the engine, at which it can give out its full power without failures and problems.
Like everything else that is done by man, radiators are subject to various malfunctions that can happen at the most inopportune moment. One typical problem is radiator leakage. Consider the reasons why heat exchangers can leak, and also learn how to eliminate this trouble.
Causes of damage
There are not many reasons that cause problems with radiators. All of them can be divided into two types. These are mechanical causes and natural wear, which contribute to various damages that violate the integrity and tightness of the device. Even a small stone that accidentally flew out from under the wheels can cause a breakdown and leak of the radiator.
But sometimes auto mechanics are faced with a different factor - these are head-on collisions with other cars. Even a slight blow to the bumper is enough to cause a breakdown. In addition, the mechanical reasons include various repair work that is done by novice motorists. This often leads to damage to important parts and components of the device.
Corrosion processes, as well as natural wear and tear - this is the second group of causes that cause radiator leakage. It must be remembered that even minor scratches or chips can very quickly turn into a hotbed of active corrosion. If you do not pay attention to this problem in time, then as a result of the destructive process, an opening will appear through which the coolant will flow out of the system. Minor cracks are quite difficult to detect. But if you seriously get down to business, then often all such damage can still be found.
These are two groups of typical causes that can cause depressurization and damage to the heat exchanger and subsequently leakage of the coolant. In addition, there are also some troubles during operation, which can cause improper circulation of antifreeze in the system.
Flowing radiator: consequences
If we consider that a radiator with antifreeze is part of the engine cooling system, it is logical that in case of malfunctions the motor runs the risk of overheating. In the worst case, the cylinder head itself will lead. But that's not all. Leaking coolant can get on various parts, including rubber, which in itself is not very good.
How to determine leakage?
If the engine began to overheat often, and more recently, the coolant poured into the tank went somewhere quickly, it is urgent to conduct a radiator diagnosis for holes. To find out where the hole is, you need to dismantle the radiator and carefully inspect it.
But it is not always possible to find a hole visually. Then you should use other diagnostic methods. So, how to check the radiator for a leak:
- To do this, all openings of the device are closed with plugs.
- The part is then lowered into a suitable container of water.
- Next, you need to observe - if bubbles appeared, then in those places on the radiator there is a breakdown.
Diagnosing leaks from pipes or from the heat exchanger itself will not be a problem. But if fluid leaks are not observed, and the temperature of the antifreeze or antifreeze during the movement quickly rises to critical values, then finding the cause is much more difficult. Usually this situation is observed if there is not enough coolant or the radiator is inefficient. If traces of coolant are found under the hood, the radiator must be repaired urgently.
How to fix a leak: choose a method according to the situation
There are several possible options. The way how to eliminate the radiator leak depends on the scale of the breakdown in it and on where the leak was found - on the road or in the garage. If a breakdown is found in the garage and it is possible to carry out repairs with the dismantling of the device, then you can choose a repair method using cold welding or soldering. If the trouble happened on the road, you must use a tool to eliminate radiator leaks.
Sealer "Treatment"
By the way, motorists from the last century used mustard to eliminate leaks. Mustard powder was poured into the radiator, and so it was possible to get home. But this method has a significant minus. After applying mustard, you will need to rinse the radiator.
Today, mustard is no longer relevant. If a radiator leak is detected on the road, repairs can be carried out using special sealants. What is the principle of action of the composition? It is poured into the expansion tank or into the radiator itself. Then, through cracks and holes, the product will flow out and solidify. In combination with air, the sealant creates a durable polymer-based film.
Cold welding
Radiator leakage can be eliminated in a more reliable way than sealant. In this situation, heat-resistant adhesives with metal powder will help - cold welding.
The radiator or its damaged area must be thoroughly degreased and additionally treated with emery paper until a slight roughness appears. Then, a metal sealant is applied to the damage site. Setting time takes about 3 minutes. But the full period necessary for hardening is from several hours to a day.
Soldering heat exchanger repair
Soldering an engine cooling radiator is already a serious repair that will require some skills. To restore the device, you need a welding machine or a large soldering iron.
Additive materials should also be prepared. The choice depends on the material of the radiator. Most often, aluminum additives or brass are used. For degreasing use ordinary acetone.
The process of soldering aluminum products
Soldering an aluminum engine cooling radiator is an effective solution to repair various damages. But it is better not to carry out independent repairs of such a plan. Soldering an engine cooling radiator is a rather complicated and time-consuming process. There are also many nuances in the preparation of flux. A soldering iron is best selected with a powerful one - at least 50 watts. It should be warmed up well before work.
If the radiator has thick walls, it is also advisable to heat them. The solder should contain at least 50% tin. You can use POS-61. If there is less tin, then you should not expect high quality from soldering.
The flux is applied to the surface with a thick layer. Soldering is performed in circular motions, and the solder is literally rubbed into the damaged surface. This is a reliable way to repair cracks.
Copper radiators are repaired by more powerful devices with POS-60 and POS-40 solders. As for the technology, it is no different from the process of brazing aluminum.
Summary
If a heat exchanger has flowed, then, as you probably already understood, it is not necessary to purchase a new one. You can try to fix the problem without replacing. After all, there are effective ways to eliminate radiator leakage.