Inspecting the Radiator

The radiator is one very important cooling system component. Once it malfunctions, you’ll probably experience great problems. So better yet, always make sure that it is maintained at its perfect condition. Meaning, you must have it regularly inspected.

When inspecting your radiator, you have to observe necessary procedures. The component that you are about to explore is a vulnerable one so beware. This is the reason why I wrote this post. Let me share to you the basics about having your radiator checked.

First, allow the radiator to cool before inspecting then cover the radiator cap with a heavy cloth material or cap remover. Remember that you must not use paper towels or else, your hand will get burned. Stand back while extending your arm straight, away from the radiator when removing the cap. This is because of the pressure resisted by the cap. Never let anyone come closer to your working area when doing it. Once the radiator cap does not have a pressure-relief lever, you have to tighten the cap and then loosen it a half turn to the first notch. If equipped with a pressure-relief lever, then you can lift the lever into the open position.

All pressure may not have escaped and the cap gasket may be trapped in the radiator neck. Never put your face directly over the radiator when he cap has been removed because the coolant may just erupt without warning.

The hoses may contain leaks so don’t forget to check them out. Tighten the hose clamps when hoses feel damp. Once you found cracks, tears or other signs of wear or if you feel that they are brittle when you squeeze them, you got to have them replaced or repaired.
If the radiator has to be removed for repair, you need to have the fluid drained. Such fluid must be drained to an appropriate container. Be sure to dispose such fluid in accordance with local environmental agency requirements.

Clean the radiator by dipping it in a caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution as you observe safety against hazards of working with caustic materials. You have to know what to do in case such solution splashes on you or if it spills.

Dispose of the tank sludge, tank solutions, and rinse solutions compliant with local environmental requirements, come’ on, you must not have it just dumped anywhere you want. The solution and sludge will contain copper, zinc, and lead which are harmful for the health of living things. Regarding this, you have to understand the hazards of exposure to lead in solder. Also be aware of how to work with such exposure safely.

When soldering is carried out to repair radiators, the operations should be done in a well ventilated and maintained enclosure, ventilated exhaust hood or booths.
Never forget to wear a respirator as protection from exposure to lead when soldering, or grinding or buffing soldered surfaces. This is important when ventilation is not available or is not functioning.

Apply good housekeeping methods to keep surfaces from lead exposure. You can use a wet mop or vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter when cleaning floors and other surfaces. The use of a dry broom or compressed air for cleaning up lead dust is not very much advisable since it will cause the lead dust to become airborne.
Hygiene practices are so important. Wash your hands and face after the soldering, grinding or buffing operations. This is necessary especially before eating, drinking, or smoking to avoid ingestion of lead.

Coveralls or similar full-body clothing and disposable or washable caps are also necessary. Such work clothing should be stored in a place where it can be free from contamination. Put it in plastic bags and send to a laundry for cleaning. Don’t forget to tag the bag as "clothing contaminated with lead" so that the work clothes are be washed separately from other clothing.