If we compare the device of a car with a person, then the motor is considered to be his heart, but the cooling system can be safely called the endocrine glands. It is very important to ensure that the engine cooling system is in good working order, because it depends on how safe the movement on such a vehicle will be. Timely diagnosis or replacement of the necessary elements of the system is the key to high-quality and proper operation of the engine.
The car radiator is designed to improve heat dissipation from the engine. It is installed, as a rule, in front of the car for more efficient cooling by the free flow of air.
The radiator is equipped with an upper and lower tank, connecting tubes, corrugated material. Tubes are made of aluminum, less often copper. Corrugated tape serves as an additional element for better heat transfer. A filler neck with a lid is provided on the upper radiator tank. In the design of the radiators of modern cars, a filler neck is rarely provided, in addition its expansion tank performs its functions.
A radiator is a heat exchanger. Therefore, for its normal operation, a number of certain requirements must be observed. First of all, the cooling system must not be overheated. For this, good quality coolant must be poured into the system. It is recommended that the manufacturer recommend a specific brand of car. During operation, the cooling system becomes clogged, the radiator is no exception. An effective solution to the problem can be flushing the radiator and the system as a whole.
The simplest flushing method is known to many. To perform this operation, a large amount of water will be required. First you need to make sure that the engine is completely cool. Water is poured through the filler hole. All drain taps must be closed. After filling the system with water, you can start the engine, letting it run for 15 minutes. Drain the water in compliance with safety measures. This operation is performed until more clean water flows out during the discharge. At performance of this complex of works the elementary manifestation of caution will not hinder. Even with short operation, the coolant in the engine heats up. Therefore, in no case should you drain the water immediately after the motor stops. Be sure to let it cool.
Flushing the radiator is more effective when using flushing composition. For example, caustic soda can be added to water. It’s important not to overdo it. Since the soda remaining in the radiator can cause corrosion damage in it over time. In addition, crystallizing, it can block the bore of the radiator tubes. In this case, part of the radiator sections ceases to function. This is fraught with overheating of the engine with disastrous consequences. After washing with soda, rinse the system with plenty of water.
In addition to "folk remedies" there are many additives for cleaning the system. Flushing the radiator with these agents is more effective. In most cases, the additive is added to the working coolant. Thus, the system is cleaned during normal vehicle operation.
The flushing of the cooling system from the inside has been described above. But, it is worth noting that the radiator requires external cleaning. Cleaning the vehicle radiator from the outside is by removing foreign particles and dust from the cavity of the corrugated tapes. If the radiator is clogged, its heat transfer will significantly deteriorate, and as a result, the motor will overheat.
Nevertheless, the most effective flushing method occurs after removing the radiator. In this case, you can rinse its outer part with water pressure. But it is important not to overdo it, in order to avoid breakage of the connecting tubes. The internal radiator cavity is also very convenient to rinse after removal.
Flushing the radiator favorably affects the performance of the cooling system. This procedure can be carried out using special additives, as well as ordinary water. Check the temperature and coolant level more often. This alone will avoid disturbances in the operation of the cooling system.