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The radiator is a device designed to dissipate the heat which the
coolant has absorbed from the engine. It is constructed to hold a
large amount of water in tubes or passages which provide a large area
in contact with the atmosphere. It usually consists of a radiator
core, with its water-carrying tubes and large cooling area, which are
connected to a receiving tank (end cap) at the top and to a
dispensing tank at the bottom. Side flow radiators have their "end
caps" on the sides, which allows a lower hood line.
In operation, water is pumped from the engine to the top (receiving)
tank, where it spreads over the tops of the tubes. As the water
passes down through the tubes, it loses its heat to the airstream
which passes around the outside of the tubes. To help spread the
heated water over the top of all the tubes, a baffle plate is often
placed in the upper tank, directly under the inlet hose from the
engine.
Sooner or later, almost everyone has to deal with an overheating car.
Since water is readily available, it is not beyond the ability of
most people to add some to their radiator if it's low. BUT
PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN OR SERIOUS BURNS CAN RESULT. Here are a few
pointers for dealing with an overheated radiator:
1. Turn off the A/C. If the car is not seriously overheating, this
will reduce the engine's temperature. The AC evaporator is located in
front of the radiator, and it adds heat to the air going to your
engine. The hotter the incoming air is, the less efficient the
radiator will be.
2. Turn on your heater (set on highest temperature setting, with
blower on highest setting). This will be uncomfortable for you, but
it will cool the engine by transferring the heat to the air. Roll
down the windows, and remember how 'hot' you'll get if your engine
needs replacement!
3. If you're stuck in traffic, pull over and stop. Unless you're
moving, very little cool air reaches the radiator. Open the hood and
let the engine cool off. This takes time, so be patient. Use the time
to go get a jug of water or antifreeze.
4. Check the overflow tank coolant level. If it's empty, the radiator
is probably low on coolant.
5. Check the pressure of the system by wrapping a cloth around the
upper radiator hose and squeezing it. If it's still under pressure
(hot) it will not squeeze easily. Wait until it does.
6. Place a large cloth over the radiator cap, and CAREFULLY release
the pressure. DANGER: SERIOUS BURNS CAN RESULT FROM THE HOT COOLANT.
IF IN DOUBT, WAIT UNTIL THE ENGINE COOLS COMPLETELY.
7. If the coolant is low, start the engine, and slowly add the water
or coolant necessary to fill it up. THE ENGINE MUST BE RUNNING.
ADDING COOLANT TO A WARM ENGINE CAN CRACK THE BLOCK. By running the
engine, the coolant keeps moving and reduces the chances of this type
of damage occurring.
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