Heavy-Duty Truck Radiators Unveiling Their Vital Secrets

Introduction

Did you know, you can equip your truck with dynamic cooling fans that adjust their speed based on temperature fluctuations and load balance? Now you do. Geek-out aside, welcome back to your favorite library of information on heavy-duty trucks and trailer parts. In this blog, you’ll explore how engine radiators function, their importance, when to replace them, and effective tips to make them last longer.  

Enjoy reading!

Building-up Radiators

In our previous blog, we learned about the cooling cycle of a commercial truck’s engine. But a very crucial component of this cycle is the radiator, which allows coolant circulation and heat absorption to take place.

The radiator consists of a core with a series of fins, carry tubes and outlet and inlet tanks and hoses & water pumps to get the ball rolling for this process. 

Core

The core is usually made of aluminum or copper for its lightweight, thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion, especially in harsh weather. The fins are fit into the build for increasing surface area to radiate heat by allowing better airflow and heat transfer, while the tubes carry the hot coolant.

Heat Transfer

This heat transfer works through convection, where the air moves over the surface of the fins, picks up heat, and cools the fins in the process.

Tanks

There are two tanks, the outlet tank and the inlet, located at either ends of the radiator, connected through core headers using gaskets. These parts collect, store, and distribute the coolant and are sealed to prevent leakage.

Made of aluminum or brass, they hang tough against heat cycles and maintain pressure regulation.

Importance of Radiators

Engines require a specific temperature to operate efficiently and radiator’s vital role in maintaining this— prevents engine failures, warping of cylinder heads, and damages caused by overheating. By facilitating the cooling exchange, it optimizes fuel combustion, engine performance, and emissions control.

Safeguarding you and your truck from fire hazards, loss of power, brake failures etc, especially in the long roasting summers, when overheating is a powder keg. 

Making it extremely important to care for your radiator. Let’s take a look how.

Tips

If you manage to take care of your radiator properly, your truck can age well between 8-12 years. Here is some information to help you through it.

During radiator maintenance, use distilled water to top it off instead of tap water which contains minerals and impurities, leading to sediment build-up. Reducing efficiency.

Install a coolant filter to trap debris and contaminants that can clog and overheat the system. A grille screen can also protect your radiator from debris.

Avoid hotspots by regulating coolant levels. Incorrect levels can create air pockets reducing cooling efficiency.

Extend the life of your coolant hoses and seals with the use of radiator additives that lubricate the water pumps, preventing rust and corrosion.

Regularly check the thermostat and pressure caps. Malfunction of these can nix the proper coolant circulation, causing excessive overheating.

Recommendations

Radiator is a key player to your heavy-duty truck operations. Making quality paramount. Buy brands like Automann, Hendrikson, Atro, Milton, Flextech, Bar leaks etc, which are well-established in the automotive and heavy-duty industry.

Where to find

Forget your buying troubles with KAL Partz! Get top-brands and vast reliable aftermarket options for your truck and trailer cooling parts online and offline, readily available. Place your order today.

Quality and time is our currency.

Visit us at www.kalpartz.com or give us a call at 800-832-0092