hinder the flow of air
or the transfer of
RADIATOR
heat to the air. In a
hot, dusty area,
periodic cleaning of
the radiator will
prevent a decrease in
efficiency and add
Description
life to the engine.
The temperature of the coolant circulat-
The fan shroud and grill should be re-
ing through the engine is lowered by the
moved, if possible to facilitate cleaning
action of the radiator and the fan. The
of the radiator core.
radiator is mounted in front of the en-
gine
so
that
the
fan
will
draw
air
An air hose with a suitable nozzle is of-
through it, thereby lowering and main-
ten sufficient to remove loose dust from
taining the coolant temperature to the
the radiator core. Occasionally,
degree necessary for efficient engine op-
however, oil may be present requiring
eration.
the use of a solvent, such as mineral
spirits, to loosen the dirt. The use of
The life of the radiator will be consider-
kerosene, or fuel oil is NOT recom-
able prolonged if the coolant used is lim-
mended as a solvent. A spray gun is an
ited to either clean, soft water and a
effective means of applying the solvent
corrosion inhibitor or a mixture of water
to the radiator core. Use air to remove
and a permanent type antifreeze. The
the remaining dirt. Repeat this process
use of any other type antifreeze is not
as many times as necessary, then rinse
recommended.
the radiator with clean water and dry it
with air.
To increase the cooling efficiency of the
radiator, a metal shroud is placed around
NOTE
the fan. The fan shroud must be fitted
air tight against the radiator to prevent
Provide adequate ventilation of the
recirculation of the hot air drawn
working area to avoid possible tox-
through the radiator. Hot air which is
ic effects of the cleaning spray.
permitted to pass around the sides or
bottom of the radiator and is again drawn
through the radiator will cause overheat-
Another method of cleaning the radiator
ing of the engine.
is the use of steam or a steam cleaning
device, if available.
If the foreign de-
Another cause of overheating is slippage
posits are hardened, it may be necessary
of the fan drive belts which is caused by
to apply solvents.
incorrect belt tension, worn belts or
worn fan belt pulley grooves, or the use
The scale deposit inside the radiator is a
of fan belts of unequal length when two
result of using hard, high mineral con-
or more belts are used. The belt tension
tent water in the cooling system. The
and condition of the belts should be
effect of heat on the minerals in the wa-
checked periodically as stated in the op-
ter causes the formation of scale, or
erator's manual.
hard coating, on metal surfaces within
the radiator, thereby reducing the
A radiator that has a dirty, obstructed
transfer of heat. Some hard water, in-
core or is leaking, a leak in the cooling
stead of forming scale, will produce a
system, or an inoperative thermostat will
silt-like deposit which restricts the flow
also cause the engine to overheat. The
of water. This must be flushed out at
radiator must be cleaned, the leaks elim-
least twice a year. More often if neces-
inated, and defective thermostats
sary.
replaced immediately to prevent serious
damage from overheating.
A drain is provided at the bottom of the
oil cooler housing.
The external cleanliness of the radiator
should be checked if the engine over-
To remove the hardened scale, a direct
heats and no other causes are apparent.
chemical action is necessary. A flushing
compound s u c h a s s a l a m m o n i a c , a t t h e
specified rate of 1/4 pound per each gal-
Cleaning Radiator
lon of radiator capacity, should be added
to the coolant water in the form of a dis-
The radiator should be cleaned whenever
solved solution while the engine is
the foreign deposits are sufficient to
running. Operate the engine for at least
