Repair on radiator, one month later the radiator had to be replaced
Hi, thanks for writing in. I had my radiator repaired (I was told the cap was leaking and the system was plugged.) They flushed the system and replaced the cap. When I got my jimmy back in kept smelling hot coolant. I was told (not by a mechanic) that it was just spilled collect burning off.
Yesterday I noticed coolant under the jimmy and took it back to the same shop. They said that a seam had split. They replaced my radiator and charged me 325 dollars.
Is this right? I feel like it had been leaking from the time I got it back and they either missed the second leak or caused it. Yes I do t
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi, thanks for writing in. I believe that you are correct. I believe you should pay for the radiator and the labor to install the radiator but not pay for the original service because this did not resolve your issue. It is certainly possible that the original service is what caused the crack in the radiator. It is also possible that the problem existed already and they missed over it. This is why to determine cooling system leaks a pressure test should always be performed. I would recommend negotiating with the shop that performed the repair and explain why you should not have to pay for the original service due to the fact that the radiator repair was missed over during their inspection.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The three parts that commonly cease working after the radiator goes bad are the thermostat, water pump, and heater core.
Your car`s radiator should typically last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Still, it is not uncommon for them to need replacing sooner.
A repair on your radiator shouldn`t take long; it takes about 2 to 3 hours. However, you can`t guarantee that a technician will be available right away. You may have to leave your vehicle in overnight, so take your personal items home with you if you think you`ll need them before you get your vehicle back.
Investing in an improved radiator can also lead to increased engine performance. Since the engine is always cool and efficient, it can run better and for longer. An upgraded radiator can also help boost fuel efficiency and provide a smoother driving experience.
Changing your radiators is a pretty straight-forward job that can be done in just a couple of hours if you know what you are doing. The easiest way to do it is to replace your radiator like-for-like; meaning finding one that is the exact same size as your old one.
Check the heat gauge and dashboard lights while the car idles for at least 10 to 20 minutes. Also look out for leaks. Re-check the coolant level in the reservoir (overflow) tank after the job is completed and the system has completely cooled off. Also re-check the automatic transmission fluid and engine oil levels.
Other than your vehicle consistently running too hot, other signs of a bad radiator might include low coolant levels, coolant that looks rusty, radiator hose problems, and coolant leaks.
Can a Radiator be Repaired? It is possible to repair a cracked radiator if the crack is small enough, but it`s important to remember that your radiator is subjected to high temperatures and pressure during normal operation, so the product you use must be designed for that environment.
Over time, coolant, water, salts, and humidity will cause parts of your radiator to rust or corrode. You can have external rust or internal rust, or corrosion. External rust is often not a problem, at least for a long time. However, internal rust could result in clogs.
Aftermarket radiators typically have the same specifications as OEM parts. In fact, buying an aftermarket radiator may ultimately turn out to be a better deal than an OEM radiator if you compare the two. Furthermore, aftermarket parts are sold in large quantities.
Consider installing a radiator fan
Some are fitted beneath your radiator and blow air upwards, while others sit on top and do the same thing. Radiator fans can increase the amount of heat delivered to a room by improving the standard convection properties of your radiator.
In fact, modern radiators can be up to 50% more efficient than their year 2000 counterparts. This increased efficiency leads to a decrease in energy bills, meaning that your new radiators will eventually pay for themselves.
If the engine overheats it can lead to seals and gaskets breaking, engine oil leaks and complete engine failure. If you spot any warning signs of yours is on its last legs, then you should seek the advice of a mechanic straight away to avoid more costly damage, it may be time to have a new radiator fitted.
One way to check for proper coolant circulation is to check the upper and lower radiator hoses. The upper radiator hose should be hot, around 190–200 °F. (The safest and most accurate way to get this temperature reading is with an infrared thermometer.)
A good way to check if your heating system needs bleeding is to see if your radiators have cold patches at the top but are warm at the bottom. If so, you need to bleed them to let the trapped air escape and the hot water to circulate freely once again.
Even if you find a radiator with the same measurements it will most likely have different mounting location brackets and not fit correctly. You may need to find the same year vehicle or within a couple years should fit.
Are old radiators less efficient? Over time, all appliances age and begin to work less efficiently, and this has a knock-on impact on energy efficiency and energy bills, so yes, old radiators are less efficient than new ones, particularly where newer models have been designed with energy efficiency in mind.
Central heating radiators
These radiators have the highest heat output and greatest heating efficiency of all plumbed radiator styles, making them a popular choice in many homes.
Black absorbs heat, whereas white reflects heat. Therefore, black radiators retain heat better and keep you warmer than white radiators.
If there is no pressure in the cooling system, the coolant will boil off.
If the leak is small enough and you drop a raw egg into the radiator, pieces of the egg might “cook” and harden, clogging the hole that`s letting coolant leak out.
One of the most common causes of radiator failure is corrosion and mineral build-up due to a lack of maintenance. This buildup can cause blockages in the cooling system and eventually lead to a radiator malfunction. To prevent this from happening, drivers should flush their radiator and coolant at least once a year.
If the coolant level is dropping and there is no external leak evident, then the coolant is probably leaking internally, into the engine. If the car has recently overheated then this could have caused the head gasket to fail. If it has, it could be leaking coolant into the combustion chambers.
A typical 15 psi.
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the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Repair on radiator, one month later the radiator had to be replaced
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I believe that you are correct. I believe you should pay for the radiator and the labor to install the radiator but not pay for the original service because this did not resolve your issue. It is certainly possible that the original service is what caused the crack in the radiator. It is also possible that the problem existed already and they missed over it. This is why to determine cooling system leaks a pressure test should always be performed. I would recommend negotiating with the shop that performed the repair and explain why you should not have to pay for the original service due to the fact that the radiator repair was missed over during their inspection.
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