Signs of a Bad Radiator

Symptoms of a bad radiator only lead to two possible conclusions. The first is if there is a coolant leak on the radiator, causing the vehicle to overheat and lose coolant in the process. The other potential problem is a clogged radiator. A clogged radiator can either be external or internal and can prevent the flow of coolant through the motor to properly maintain your vehicle at adequate operating temperatures.

Low Coolant Levels

When the coolant level is low, this is generally a sign of a coolant leak. The fins in the radiator may be torn and causing the coolant to leak out as it is flowing up and out through the upper radiator hose. Leaking coolant can cause the vehicle to overheat. Diagnose this problem with a pressure tester. You can lease one from an auto parts store; the tester will show you where the leak is by applying pressure to the coolant system.

Murky or Discolored Coolant

If the coolant has a murky or muddy appearance upon visual inspection, then you may be experiencing a clogged fin. Some inexpensive silicated coolants can leave small deposits in the radiator and cause the fins to clog and prevent coolant flow through the motor. You can flush the radiator with a flush kit to push out any blockage. The blockage in some cases can cause the radiator to go bad, and replacement is the only option.

Cool Spots

Cool spots on the radiator can indicate either an external or internal blockage as well. The radiator has the essential duty of transferring heat from the coolant to the radiator. This allows the coolant to be cooled down enough to circulate through the motor and continue the cycle. This problem can be fixed by a radiator flush. If the blockage is too much, then the radiator will have to be replaced.

References

• Tegger: Tutorial on Diagnosing the Coolant System
• Radiator Info: Radiator--Tips on Maintenance and Troubleshooting Techniques