The
car’s radiator acts as a heat exchanger, transferring excess heat from the
engine’s coolant fluid into the air. The radiator is composed of tubes that
carry the coolant fluid, a protective cap that’s actually a pressure valve and
a tank on each side to catch the coolant fluid overflow. In addition, the tubes
carrying the coolant fluid usually contain a turbulator, which agitates the
fluid inside. This way, the coolant fluid is mixed together, cooling all the
fluid evenly, and not just cooling the fluid that touches the sides of the
tubes. By creating turbulence inside the tubes, the fluid can be used more
effectively.
When coolant fluid overheats, it expands, causing the fluid to
become highly pressurized. When it enters the radiator, the pressure increases
even more because it’s in an enclosed space. The radiator cap acts as a release
valve set to open at the maximum pressure point. Usually this is set at a
density of 15 pounds per square inch (psi). When the fluid pressure inside the
radiator exceeds 15 psi, it forces the valve open, allowing heat to escape and
excess coolant fluid to overflow into the tanks on either side of the radiator.
Once the radiator cools down, the coolant fluid in the overflow tanks gets
sucked back into the pump, continuing its route through the cooling system. |
Usually there are three sizes for radiator caps,
small, Medium, Large. How to choose correct caps? Please operate as follow
steps. Firstly, find the vehicle's year, make and model number. Different cars
have different sized radiator caps. Secondly, purchase the new cap. If
purchasing the radiator cap from the dealer, supply the year, make and model.
When purchasing a new cap from an auto or big box store, there is often a
computerized system to help you choose the correct cap. Thirdly, allow the car
to completely cool. Never remove the radiator cap of a warm car. The hot fluid
can spew out of the radiator and burn. Remove the old cap. Lastly, compare the
size and threads to the new cap. Carefully screw the new cap into the radiator.
Don't force the cap or the threads may be damaged.
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