Radiator Testing & Diagnosis
At Radiator King, we offer comprehensive testing and diagnosis services to ensure your radiator and cooling system are functioning optimally. Bring your car or radiator in for a detailed diagnosis, including the following tests:
Visual Checks:
- Coolant Leaks: Inspect for visible leaks in the radiator, hoses, and connections.
- Oil in Coolant Reservoir or Radiator: Check for oil contamination in the coolant. This typically indicates a failure in one or more of your engine’s gaskets or seals. The engine has separate systems for oil lubrication and coolant management. A leaking oil cooler or a small crack in it can cause oil and coolant to mix, leading to contamination.
Pressure Test:
- Purpose: To check for leaks in the cooling system and test the radiator cap.
- Procedure: Pressure is gradually applied to the system up to its rated capacity or the range shown on the radiator cap. The system should maintain pressure for at least two minutes. If not, there are likely leaks within the system.
Block Test:
- Purpose: To detect the presence of exhaust gases in the engine’s cooling system, indicating a blown head gasket or a cracked head or block.
- Procedure: The Block Tester is used to check for these gases, helping to identify serious internal engine problems often caused by overheating.
Blockage Flow Test:
- Purpose: To ensure proper coolant flow throughout the system.
- Procedure: By checking the temperatures of various parts of the cooling system, we can determine if there is a blocked radiator or a thermostat problem. Air pockets in the system can prevent coolant circulation, especially after replacing a water pump or thermostat. Bleeding the system to remove air pockets resolves this issue.
Airflow Test:
- Purpose: To ensure the radiator fan is pulling cooling air through the radiator effectively.
- Procedure: The radiator fan is checked for defects that might cause the engine to overheat. Blocked, bent, or damaged exterior radiator fins are also inspected. These fins are crucial for cooling as they carry hot coolant and allow air to flow through them to lower the coolant’s temperature. Dirt, bugs, leaves, or other debris can clog these fins, blocking airflow and reducing cooling efficiency.
Additional Notes:
- Clogged Fins: Radiators are designed for maximum cooling efficiency with thin fin tubes running across the front. If these tubes become clogged by debris or if the fins are bent or damaged, it obstructs airflow and prevents proper cooling.
- Delicate Fins: These fins are delicate and can be damaged by tiny gravel or other impacts while driving.
By performing these detailed tests, Radiator King ensures that your radiator and cooling system are in top condition, preventing overheating and other related issues.
