Your Cooling System

The Components of a Radiator

Inlet And Outlet Tanks

These tanks house connections for the radiator hose and heater tube. Coolant enters the radiator from the engine through the inlet tank while it exits the radiator and returns to the engine from the outlet tank. These tanks may also have a sensor flange, internal transmission, or engine oil cooler attached.

Core

Core - This is the body of the radiator and is constructed of tubes and fins made from either brass or aluminum. Heat dissipation takes place in the core.

Tubes

Tubes - Hot coolant travels through these long narrow tubes to the fins.

Fins

Fins - The fins are extremely thin strips of zigzag-shaped copper or aluminum placed between the tubes. As the coolant passes through the tubes, the heat dissipates from the fins.

Advantages of a High Efficiency Radiator Core

• More fins per inch
• More tubes over the height of the core
• More cooling capacity

About The Coolant

Coolant

The cooling system is one of the most important elements in vehicle operation. Key vehicle functions are controlled by data received by monitoring the cooling system. Unfortunately, it continues to remain the most neglected.

The air conditioning condenser is usually installed in front of the radiator. Heat transmitted by the condenser preheats the cooling air before it has a chance to cool the radiator. Cooling systems must allow for the increased temperature of the ambient air and the restricted air flow. This additional heat is another reason why more efficient radiators and year-round use of ethylene glycol (antifreeze) and water in 50/50 mixture must be used. Automotive coolant is the most obvious and important aspect of properly maintaining the cooling system. Not only is coolant used to keep the engine at a proper operating temperature, it also keeps various metals in the system from corroding. Dirty or partially blocked fins will cause overheating of the cooling system. Debris (insects, bugs, etc.) can be removed from finned areas with air pressure directed towards the vehicle's bumper.

Manufacturers each have specific recommendations for proper maintenance of this system. On average, they call for the complete replacement of the coolant every two years or 24,000 miles (Consult your vehicles owner's manual for specific details). The coolant can become destructive if the recommended change interval is left unchecked. The coolant's inhibitors and silicates can break down over time and cease to effectively stop corrosion. The fact is, the base chemicals can last longer than this time period without an adverse affect on the coolant's ability to cool the engine. Just remember that although a coolant may look good, it may not be. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and have your system flushed and replace with fresh coolant.

When selecting a replacement radiator, always select a unit that meets or exceeds OE specifications for performance as well as fit.