The radiator is one of the most important components of a cooling system. It is in it that heat transfer occurs, due to which the liquid in the system is quickly cooled. Very often the radiator starts to leak for some reason. Driving a car with such a malfunction is impossible, so the driver must know several ways to help stop a leak in the cooling system.
Necessary
- - set of tools;
- - rubber gaskets and hoses;
- - soldering iron;
- - thermal insulating tape;
- - liquid to eliminate leaks;
- - cotton gloves;
- - spanners;
- - jack;
- - antifreeze;
- - pallet;
- - sealant;
- - degreaser;
- - gas-burner.
Instructions
Step 1
As soon as you find that your car's radiator is leaking, stop the engine immediately. It is also necessary to remove the "minus" terminal from the battery in order to avoid a short circuit in the on-board power supply network.
Step 2
Try to find where the coolant is flowing from. To do this, the vehicle must be jacked up. You can also use a lift. The car must be towed or towed to the garage where you will be making repairs. Never try to start the engine! Otherwise, you risk jamming the power unit of your car.
Step 3
Carefully inspect all hoses where they are connected to the radiator. Very often the gaskets or the rubber tubes themselves burst, and this causes a leak. If, due to this breakdown, you had to stop right on the track, the hoses can be tightened using thermal tape. Then they should be replaced with new ones as soon as possible.
Step 4
Pour a special chemical composition into the cooling system together with antifreeze, which helps to eliminate leaks. Such a liquid is sold in every car store. Fill in antifreeze with a reserve, as some of it will pour out of the radiator. Start the engine and carefully monitor the antifreeze level.
Step 5
If the leak does not stop and the fluid level in the cooling system drops continuously, turn off the vehicle and turn off the ignition.
Step 6
Inspect the surface of the radiator carefully. Look for damage through which fluid is leaking. If you cannot find it by visual inspection, fill the cooling system with antifreeze and carefully monitor the radiator to see the place from which the liquid will flow. Be sure to place a pallet under the radiator. This will prevent poisonous antifreeze from getting on the ground.
Step 7
Any damage found must be repaired with a heat-resistant sealant. To do this, carefully apply the sealant to the damaged area and spread it evenly. Then secure it carefully with thermal insulation tape.
Step 8
In case of major damage, the radiator must be soldered; for this, it must be removed. Degrease the damaged surface and let dry. Then, using a soldering iron or a special gas torch, heat the metal at the damaged site and carefully align it.
Step 9
Replace the damaged radiator with a new one if the damage to the metal shell of the radiator is too large.
