Radiator Problems

[Rx7freak08]

Ummm If i know that my a/c puts a strain on the motor and my thermostat has been changed then it could be my radiator. If I got it recored would it be worth the money and time.

 

[35Remmy]

So I take it that you're overheating?

 

[Rx7freak08]

sometimes only when the a/c is on.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you check your fan clutch?

 

[Rx7freak08]

How do you check your fan clutch.

 

[JohnJ]

With the engine cold, start the engine and let it run for a few seconds, then shut it off. Try to turn the fan by hand. It should turn fairly easily.

Then start the engine and let it run with the hood closed until the radiator gets hot. Shut the engine off. The fan should now offer much more resistance to turning.

 

[Rx7freak08]

It works fine. I noticed that I put alot of coolant in and in the resivor and It still loses it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could get a free tool loan from Autozone of a cooling system pressure tester.

 

[Rx7freak08]

sweet how does that work.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Go into Autozone, leave a deposit on the tool, and return it when you are finished. They will give you the deposit back when the tool is returned to them.

 

[Rx7freak08]

No I know that but I mean how do you use the pressure tool.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Connect it to the place where the radiator cap normally goes, then pump some pressure into it. Check for leaks. The gauge should remain at a steady setting without dropping down. Check my product review: http://www.explorerforum.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/231/cat/500

 

[Rx7freak08]

How much pressure do I need to pump in.

 

[manaen]

If it does pass the pressure test, you may want to replace your radiator cap and flush your cooling system really well. When you look down in the radiator do you see a lot of scaling on the fins?

 

[Rx7freak08]

scaling? I see alot of corrosion.

 

[Rx7freak08]

I can tell you that my explorer was sitting for a long time and I have been driving it for about 3/4 of a year. There was old coolant in there.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Pump a little more pressure than what your radiator cap is rated for. If you have a 16 pound cap, then pump 18 or 20 pounds of pressure into it.

 

[manaen]

Have you tested the thermostat?

 

[Rx7freak08]

Yeah I have. I actually changed it out once. Then we took it to a shop and the guy changed it out again. It worked for a little bit but it still over heats.

 

[manaen]

There are products that you can run through your system to clean out the scaling in the radiator, although I've personally never had much luck once the system is already getting clogged up. Ultimately you may be looking at a radiator replacement depending how badly the thing is blocked. There are also shops that will recondition yours by taking it apart and cleaning out all the cores. If you are going to replace it, and live in a warm climate you may want to look into a 2 or 3 core model instead of the stock 1 core, much better cooling.

hopefully it is something easy like your pressure cap