The radiator is a significant component of the cooling system. The purpose of the radiator is to cool the active substances in the engine. Car owners should know the radiator parts name and how they function. This helps one to understand the functioning of a vehicle and how to prevent it from damaging.
Vehicle engines produce heat when they are in use. There is a risk of explosion when the temperatures get excessively high. It is, therefore, crucial to cool the engine to a suitable temperature ranging between 80 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius.
There are two types of the radiator which are cellular core type and the tubular core type. In tabular cores, the lower and upper tanks are pined by a series of tubes that pass water through the radiator.
In the cellular core, radiators are made with several individual air cells which are surrounded by the coolant. The coolant in this radiator type flows through the spaces between its tubes.
Vehicles use either the water cooling system or the air cooling system. Both of the cooling systems have a radiator. Here we shall discuss the various parts of a radiator and its functioning.
Radiator Parts Name and Functions
A radiator is the primary way your vehicle engine vents heat when moving. The engine is the heart of your vehicle. The engine burns fuel and provides energy that powers the vehicle’s moving parts.
The movement and power from the engine generate a lot of heat. If this heat is not controlled, it causes the engine to overheat, which eventually damages the engine parts. The radiator is a part of the cooling system and assists in eliminating excess heat from the engine.
The cooling system circulates the coolant through a hose absorbing the excess heat in the engine. The coolant then moves back to the radiator for cooling and then recirculates back to the engine. This continuous cycle ensures that the engine operates at an optimal temperature and prevents it from overheating.
A malfunctioning radiator affects the performance of the cooling system, which eventually causes the engine to overheat. The most common flaws in the radiator are lack of pressure, external dirt on the radiator, and core obstruction. Now let us check the various radiator parts and functions:
1. The Core
The core is the major and largest part of a vehicle’s radiator. It is made of a large metal block featuring small metal fins. It allows the engine coolant to vent air surrounding the radiator.
The hot coolant flowing through the engine releases its heat in this radiator part before it goes to the heat exchange circuit. Radiator cores are of different types. There are three cores, two cores, and one core.
The radiator heater core number is the thickness of the core’s actual surface. You can tell this by looking in the pass side tank via the cap’s opening. If you see a single row of openings, then that is a single core radiator. If the radiator has four cores, then you will see four rows.
2. Pressure Caps
A pressure cap is also known as a radiator cap. It is a small component, but it is quite one of the beneficial parts of a heating radiator. The cap features a tin metal shit on top. It is made up of flat rubbers, a thin rod, a valve, and a spring.
The coolant in the car’s radiator is always under pressure. The pressure cap helps to keep it hot without boiling, making the cooling system more efficient. The coolant rises at some point, and the pressure cap’s main function is bleeding it off.
Radiator caps maintain the system’s pressure at 16 PSI. As it gets hotter, the coolant expands. When it expands, the cap allows some liquid to move to the reservoir tank, which helps to keep the right amount of coolant in the radiator.
Another function of the pressure cap is to prevent air from getting into the cooling system. Having air get in the cooling system can cause corrosion in the cooling systems part and poor cooling.
A worn-out pressure cap can lead to cooling problems which later affect the engine’s performance. It is prudent to check it from time to time and replace it as soon as it fails. Always make sure that you use a 50/50 antifreeze agent and water to protect the radiator cap.
3. Inlet and Outlet Tanks
Inlet and outlet tanks play an important role in the cooling system. The inlet tank of a radiator receives hot coolant coming from the engine. This steaming coolant gets in the inlet tank and flows via the radiator core. The coolant then pools in the outlet tank.
In the outlet tank, the coolant builds pressure until it escapes through the exit hose to the engine, and the cycle continues. The two tanks should remain leak-free and completely sealed for them to perform. Check the condition of the tanks periodically and have them repaired in case you notice some issues.
4. The Coolant
The coolant is not a mechanized part of the radiator, but it is a critical ingredient. The coolant conducts excess heat from a car’s engine and brings it to the radiator for cooling. Therefore, the radiator cannot work without the coolant.
5. Valve
The valve works as a knob for regulating the amount of heat a radiator emits. It achieves its purpose by controlling the flow of steam or hot water from the pipe to the radiator. The valve is joined to a joint with an elbow shape that protrudes from the wall or floor and connects the radiator and pipe.
6. Fins
Fins are a component found on the radiator of the air cooling system. They increase the exchange efficiency in the radiator by increasing the tube’s contact surface. You will be able to understand this better when you look at the radiator parts diagram.
7. Thermostat
The thermostat is located at the end of the radiator’s top hose. Its purpose is to control the temperature in the cooling system. It works hand in hand with the radiator for efficient results.
The thermostat assists in keeping the coolant at a suitable temperature. It also stops water flow and prevents the coolant from circulating in the engine during extremely cold weather. When the vehicle’s engine heats up, the temperature of water increases, thus opening the water outlet and allowing the coolant to circulate.
Final Words
A vehicle radiator makes the main part of a car’s cooling system. Radiator damage is mainly caused by insufficient coolant levels or using expired coolant. The most common sign of a malfunctioning radiator is engine overheating, shifting issues, leaks, and fluid discoloration.
Understanding house radiator parts names will help you to know when it starts malfunctioning. It is crucial to have the radiator checked periodically and ensure it is always in good working condition. In case of any issues, have them replaced immediately before they cause further damages needing expensive repairs.
