Why do I have to keep topping up my car radiator?
You should check your coolant level at least once a month – topping it up with water is acceptable. Common causes for a clogged radiator are dirt, dead insects and loose debris such as stones. These will block the airflow through the radiator resulting in it overheating.
How often do I need to top off my coolant?
Anytime coolant loss happens, it is important to replace the coolant as soon as possible. If the radiator does not have enough coolant, it may not be cooling the engine down properly, and engine damage could result from overheating.
Where to put the coolant in the radiator?
There’s a COLD/MIN label on the tank indicating the ideal antifreeze level when the engine is cold. The coolant in the radiator should be just below the filler neck.
What causes the coolant to leak from the radiator?
A leak can be either internal, such as a leaky gasket, or external, such as a hose failure or crack in the radiator. An external leak is usually determined by a puddle of coolant underneath the vehicle. Coolant loss can also be caused by a leaky or improperly sealed radiator cap allowing the super-heated coolant to evaporate.
Can a radiator be opened when the engine is cold?
Let us give an important warning: Never open a radiator or any part of the cooling system when the engine is hot. The system is pressurized, and boiling hot water will shoot out of the opening. That can cause serious injuries. Start looking for leaks when the engine is cold. You don’t want to stick your hands into a hot engine bay!
How to take care of your radiators in an old house?
If your old house has three stories and there are radiators on the top floor, you may need to adjust the valve to feed water at 18-psi pressure to make sure the radiators at the top are full. Once filled, a circulating pump moves the heated water from your boiler to your radiators and back.
What kind of pressure do radiators need in a two story house?
Most two-story homes need 12-psi pressure, and that’s the factory setting of the valve. If your old house has three stories and there are radiators on the top floor, you may need to adjust the valve to feed water at 18-psi pressure to make sure the radiators at the top are full.
Why is coolant coming out the top of my radiator?
Various possibilities come to mind based on issues I’ve had with my cars over the years: I had a head gasket leak from the cylinder into the coolant that was pushing coolant out the top of the overflow tank. Wash off the overflow tank after filling it, so it’s easy to see if it’s coming out the top or from somewhere else. Highly active question.
When to replace the pressure cap on a radiator?
If this amount begins to fall, then the pressure cap must be malfunctioning. If so, take off the pressure cap and clean off any debris that may be on it. Now screw the cap back on and test it again. If it is still malfunctioning, then you will need to replace it.