Hi, my name is Angela, and as the wife of a mechanic, I was constantly tripping over car parts and complaining about the rows of project cars lining our garden. However, after a few years, I quit complaining and actually found joy in the art of auto repair. Inspired by that classic book, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", I decided to start working on cars with my husband. This blog is the culmination of everything I have learned and more. I hope you enjoy reading it and that my tips and ideas guide you toward a healthier car and a happier, safer driving experience.
When the engine on your car or truck is in full swing, a tremendous amount of heat will be built up inside. This will be regulated by a network of channels within the block of the engine and the heat will be carried away within a coolant liquid to be processed and modified by the radiator. Consequently, the radiator is one of the most important components on your vehicle, and you've got to ensure that it is in first-class condition at all times or problems will definitely arise. What can you do to fix the radiator if it is not doing its job as well as it should?
The Perils of Sedimentation
If you were to look at the radiator, you would see that it is made up of a very intricate matrix of pipes and tubes. The hot water is received from the engine and is forced through those pipes which are, in turn, exposed to a cooling wind, as you drive down the road.
Unfortunately, sedimentation can build up within the cooling system and, due to the nature of those narrow tubes and fins, will inevitably be deposited within. Although it may take some time, this sediment will build up to such an extent that it will cause a blockage, and this will need to be fixed as soon as possible.
If the radiator is still in relatively good condition and has not been damaged by errant stones or other issues, then it is certainly possible to flush it out and get rid of that sedimentation. However, it is not a straightforward or easy job and must be done correctly in order to ensure that normal service is resumed.
Flushing the Radiator
To do this properly, water needs to be injected into the radiator under a certain amount of pressure from both the top and the bottom openings. This is a process that will need to be handled carefully, and without the right tools or equipment, it is not easy to accomplish.
Remember, it is not simply a case of draining the radiator and filling it back up, as you will simply be in the same position if you do so. Rather, the sedimentation must be dislodged so that it can flow out instead and allow the radiator to do its job properly.
Service Time
It is far easier for most people to take the vehicle to a car servicing provider and to get technicians to handle this issue. They'll certainly have the right equipment and know-how to apply it without causing any damage to the system itself.
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