arrowhead radiator service logo

 

new radiator aluminum radiator heavy duty bolt on radiator core charge air cooler or aftercooler radiator flag

 Home
Radiator Failures
Technical Articles
Price Quotes
Customer References
Contact Us
Warranty Information
Radiator Installation
Employment
Related Sites
Testimonials
Racing Radiators
Radiator Car Models

Acura Radiator
Alfa Romeo Radiator
AMC Radiator
Audi Radiator
BMW Radiator
Buick Radiator
Cadillac Radiator
Chevrolet Radiator
Chevrolet Truck Radiator
Chevrolet Van Radiator
Chrysler Radiator
Citroen Radiator
Daewoo Radiator
Daihatsu Radiator
Datsun Radiator
Delorean Radiator
Dodge Radiator
Dodge Truck Radiator
Dodge Van Radiator
Eagle Radiator
Fiat Radiator
Ford Radiator
Ford Truck Radiator
Ford Van Radiator
Geo Radiator
GMC Radiator
GMC Truck Radiator
GMC Van Radiator
Honda Radiator
Hummer Radiator
Hyundai Radiator
Infiniti Radiator
International Radiator
Isuzu Radiator
Jaguar Radiator
Jeep Radiator
Kia Radiator
Lancia Radiator
Land Rover Radiator
Lexus Radiator
Lincoln Radiator
Mazda Radiator
Mercedes Radiator
Mercury Radiator
Merkur Radiator
Mini Radiator
Mitsubishi Radiator
Nissan Radiator
Oldsmobile Radiator
Peugeot Radiator
Plymouth Radiator
Plymouth Truck Radiator
Plymouth Van Radiator
Pontiac Radiator
Porsche Radiator
Renault Radiator
Rolls Royce Radiator
Saab Radiator
Saturn Radiator
Scion Radiator
Sterling Radiator
Subaru Radiator
Suzuki Radiator
Toyota Radiator
oyota Truck/Van Radiator
Volkswagen Radiator
Volvo Radiator
Yugo Radiator

 

Radiator Sales Catalog, Site Security Certificate

1-800-823-4096

Common Radiator Failures

 The following 16 common radiator problems should help you understand the different types of radiator failures, and what caused them: 

Click on Radiator Image to Enlarge Picture

Tube-to-Header Leaks - Failure of the radiator solder joint on this radiator's header and tubes, results in coolant loss.

Steam Erosion - Steam can break down the plastic tank which will produce thinning and ultimately holes in the plastic tank. Frequently, white deposits

Soldier Bloom - Solder corrosion caused by degradation of rust and leak inhibitors in antifreeze. Tube-to-header joints are weakened, and corrosion can restrict coolant flow.

Over Pressurization - Excessive pressure in the radiator caused by defective pressure cap or engine-exhaust leak can destroy the radiator.

Loose Side Piece - Can lead to flexing of the core and radiator-tube failure.

Leaky Tank-to-Header Seam - Failure of the solder joint results in coolant loss.

Leaky Oil Cooler - Coolant shows traces of oil. Transmission or engine damage can result from the mixing of coolant with transmission fluid or engine

Internal Deposits - Rust and leak inhibitors can form solids that collect in the radiator cooling system and restrict flow.

Fin Deterioration - A chemical deterioration of the radiator fins most often caused by road salt or sea water.

Fin Bond Failure - A loss of solder bond between fins and tubes. Fins are loose in core causing loss of heat transfer and reducing radiator strength.

Fan Damage - A minor collision or a failed water pump can result in radiator damage.

Electrolysis - (External) Stray electrical current can cause an electrochemical reaction that will produce voids in radiator tubes.

Electrolysis - (Internal) Stray electrical current can cause excessive corrosion of metal components.

Cracked Plastic Tanks - High stress in the radiator can cause premature plastic-tank failure.

Blown Tank-to-Header Seam - An indication that the radiator has been subjected to extreme pressures resulting from exhaust leaking into the cooling system.

Leaky Inlet/Outlet Fitting - Leaks in the radiator inlet/outlet area can be caused by fatigue or solder-joint corrosion.

This radiator failure chart will help you determine the type of radiator failure you are experiencing. Please contact Arrowhead Radiator Service if you have any questions regarding these radiator failure pictures.

This common radiator failure chart is courtesy of Modine Radiator, and Radiator Info.

 

Other Cooling System Articles:
Radiator Diagnosis, Repair and Replacement Tips
Cavitation, SCA's, and the Proper Maintenance of Diesel Engine Cooling Systems
Common Radiator Failures
Coolant and Radiator Service 
Cooling the Big Rigs 
Coping with Summer Heat-Cooling System Checks
Does Your Radiator Pass Inspection
Flushing Your Radiator And Cooling System
Head Gasket or Combustion Leak Test Procedure (Gasoline Engines Only)
Heavy-Duty Workhorses, Cooling the HD Heatwave
Overheating Causes and Cures 
Preventative Cooling System Maintenance Program
Preventing Cylinder Head Gasket, and Cooling System Failures
Preventing Overheating
Why is my Car Overheating

Hit Counter

Superior Quality at Incredibly Low Prices!                                                                                                    NATIONWIDE RADIATOR DISTRIBUTOR!                                                                                        FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES!

Performance Radiator Warranty   Silla radiator warranty Modine radiator logo               

 

Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008 2009 by Arrowhead Radiator Service, Las Vegas, Nevada (Legal Notice)

Radiator Questions?