Radiator leakage: causes and their elimination. Soldering the radiator of the engine cooling

The engine cooling radiator is a very important part of the car. This system, without interruptions, removes excess heat from the motor and dissipates it into the environment. A fully serviceable heat exchanger is the guarantee of an optimum temperature for the engine, in which it will be able to deliver its full power without failures and problems.

Like everything else that has been done by a person, radiators are subject to various malfunctions that can happen at the most inopportune moment. One of the typical problems is the radiator flow. Consider the reasons why heat exchangers can flow, and also learn how to eliminate this trouble.

Causes of damage

There are not so many reasons that cause problems with radiators. All of them can be divided into two types. These are mechanical causes and natural wear and tear, which contribute to various damages that damage the integrity and tightness of the device. Even a small stone, which accidentally flew out from under the wheels, can cause breakdown and leakage of the radiator.

But sometimes auto mechanics are faced with a different factor - these are frontal collisions with other cars. Even a small blow to the bumper is enough to cause a breakdown. In addition, for mechanical reasons can be attributed various repairs that are made by novice motorists. This often leads to damage to important parts and components of the device.

Corrosion processes, as well as natural wear and tear, are the second group of causes that cause the radiator to leak. It should be remembered that even minor scratches or chips can very quickly turn into a hot spot of active corrosion. If you do not pay attention to this problem in time, then as a result of the destructive process there will be a hole through which the cooling liquid will flow out of the system. Minor cracks are difficult to detect. But if you seriously get down to business, then often all such damage can still be found.

These are two groups of typical causes that can provoke depressurization and damage to the heat exchanger and subsequently drain the coolant. In addition, there are also some troubles in the operation that can cause incorrect circulation of the antifreeze in the system.

The radiator flows: the consequences

If we take into account that the radiator with antifreeze is a part of the engine cooling system, then it is logical that in case of malfunctions the motor risks overheating. In the worst case, the head and the block of cylinders will lead. But that is not all. Leaking coolant can get on various parts, including rubber, which in itself is not very good.

How to determine leakage?

If the engine is often overheated, and more recently, the coolant that has been flooded into the tank has gone away quickly, it is necessary to immediately diagnose the radiator for holes. To find out where the hole is, you need to dismantle the radiator and inspect it carefully.

But it is not always possible to find a hole visually. Then you should use other methods of diagnosis. So, how to check the radiator for leaks:

1. To do this, all the openings of the device are closed with stoppers.
2. Then the part is lowered into a suitable container with water.
3. Further it is necessary to observe - if there were bubbles, then in those places on the radiator there is a breakdown.

Diagnosing a leak from the nozzles or from the heat exchanger itself will not be a problem. But if there is no leakage of liquid, and the temperature of antifreeze or antifreeze grows rapidly to critical values during the process, then it is much more difficult to find out the cause. Usually such a situation is observed if the coolant is not sufficient or the radiator does not work effectively. If traces of coolant under the hood are detected, it is necessary to repair the radiator immediately.

How to eliminate leaks: choose a method by situation

There are several possible options. The way how to eliminate the leakage of the radiator depends on the scale of the breakdown in it and on the one where the leak was found - on the road or in the garage. If a breakdown is detected in the garage and there is a possibility to perform repairs with the dismantling of the device, then it is possible to choose a repair method with the use of cold welding or soldering. If the trouble happened on the road, you need to use a means to eliminate the leak of the radiator.

"Treatment" with sealant

By the way, motorists from the last century used to eliminate leaks mustard. Mustard powder was poured into the radiator, and so it was possible to get home. But this method has a significant disadvantage. After applying the mustard, you will need to wash the radiator.

Today mustard is no longer relevant. If a radiator leak is detected on the road, repairs can be made using special sealants. What is the principle of the composition? It is poured into the expansion tank or into the radiator itself. Then, through cracks and holes, the agent will flow out and solidify. In conjunction with air sealant creates a strong film based on polymers.

Cold welding

Radiator leakage can be eliminated in a more reliable way than a sealant. In this situation, heat-resistant adhesives with metallic powder will help - cold welding.

The radiator or its damaged area must be thoroughly degreased and additionally treated with sandpaper until light roughness appears. Then metal damage is applied to the damage site. The setting time is about 3 minutes. But the full term necessary for solidification is from a few hours to a day.

Repair of the heat exchanger by soldering

Soldering the engine cooling radiator is already a serious repair, which will require some skills. To restore the device, you will need a welding machine or a large soldering iron.

Also it is necessary to prepare filler materials. The choice depends on the material of the radiator. Most often used aluminum additives or brass. For degreasing use ordinary acetone.

Soldering process for aluminum products

Soldering the aluminum engine cooling radiator is an effective solution for eliminating various damages. But it is better not to carry out an independent repair of such a plan. Soldering the engine cooling radiator is a rather complicated and time-consuming process. There are also many nuances of flux preparation. Soldering iron is best to choose a powerful - at least 50 watts. It should be well warmed before work.

If the radiator differs in thick walls, they should also be warmed up. In solder should contain not less than 50% of tin. You can use PIC-61. If tin is less, then high quality of the soldering should not be expected.

Flux is applied to the surface with a thick layer. Soldering is performed in a circular motion, and the solder is literally rubbed into the damaged surface. This is a reliable way to eliminate cracks.

Copper radiators are repaired with more powerful devices with solders POS-60 and POS-40. As for the technology, it is no different from the aluminum soldering process .

Summary

If the heat exchanger has flowed, then, as you have probably already understood, it is not necessary to acquire a new one. You can try to fix the problem without replacement. After all, there are effective ways of how to eliminate the leakage of the radiator.