Getting To Know Your Engine Cooling System: Radiators

1.

How Semi-Truck Radiators Keep Your Engine Cool

It goes without saying that semi-trucks are one of the most important pieces of the transportation industry that we know today. At the center of commercial, heavy-duty, and semi-trucks, lies the cooling system radiator – a component that is integral in ensuring performance and longevity. The semi-truck radiator plays a critical role in maintaining the correct engine temperature at all times. In this article, our expert team of trucking specialists will dive into the inner workings of cooling system radiators and explore why they are the unsung heroes of the open road. Read on to learn more about the radiator in your commercial truck's engine cooling system!

What is an Engine Cooling System Radiator? 

Semi-trucks are equipped with powerful engines that generate a substantial amount of heat during operation. While this heat is a natural byproduct of internal combustion, it needs to be effectively managed to prevent engine damage and ensure efficient performance. This is where cooling systems come into play.

A cooling system in a semi-truck operates like the human body's circulatory system. It circulates coolant, usually a mixture of water and antifreeze, through various components to absorb excess heat and dissipate it. The radiator is the central player in this process, providing the necessary surface area for heat exchange to occur.

How Does a Semi-Truck Radiator Work?

In semi-trucks, the cooling system radiator maintains the optimal operating temperature of the engine. The radiator works on the principle of heat exchange and dissipation. As the engine runs, it generates a substantial amount of heat, which, if not controlled, could lead to engine overheating.

Coolant, a mixture of water and antifreeze, circulates through the engine to absorb excess heat. This heated coolant then flows into the radiator, which is positioned at the front of the truck. The radiator consists of a network of thin tubes and fins. As the hot coolant enters the tubes, the fins increase the surface area for heat dissipation. Meanwhile, air drawn in by the truck's forward motion or through fans helps to cool the coolant by transferring heat from the tubes to the surrounding air.

What are the Components of a Cooling System Radiator?

A semi-truck radiator is a complex structure, meticulously designed to optimize heat dissipation and maintain engine temperature within a safe range. It consists of several key components that include:

1.     Core: The core is the radiator's heart, composed of a dense network of small tubes or metal fins. These tubes contain the hot coolant that flows from the engine, while the fins increase the radiator's surface area to facilitate efficient heat transfer.

2.     Pressure Cap: The pressure cap seals the cooling system so it can pressurize. Coolant in the radiator is pressurized to prevent it from boiling. It also helps to maintain the system's efficiency.

3.     Inlet and Outlet Tanks: The tanks are located on either side of the core and serve as reservoirs for coolant. Hot coolant enters the radiator through the inlet tank, while cooled coolant exits through the outlet tank, completing the cycle.

4.     Radiator Hoses: Coolant moves to the engine through radiator hoses. They connect the inlet and outlet tanks to the radiator and engine.

5.     Fan: Many semi-truck radiators are equipped with cooling fans that help enhance airflow, especially during low-speed operations or when the vehicle is stationary. These fans draw cooler external air through the core, expediting the cooling process.

What is the Heat Exchange Process with a Radiator?

The heat exchange process in a semi-truck radiator is fundamental to the functionality of the unit itself. As hot coolant flows through the tubes within the core, it releases heat into the surrounding metal walls. At the same time, the external air passing through the core absorbs this heat, causing the coolant to cool down. This cooled liquid then returns to the engine and continues the process from the beginning.

Signs You May Need To Replace Your Radiator

If you think you might have a bad radiator in your semi-truck, here are a few signs that you'll want to consider a replacement.

• Your truck is overheating: If your truck overheats under normal driving conditions, you will want to consider that your radiator is bad or failing.


• Your truck is leaking coolant: If you see coolant (a bright yellow, green or red liquid) under the truck while it is parked, then you will definitely want to check for leaks in the system. Leaks should be addressed as soon as possible. You will want to give the system a pressure test to find the source of the leak.


• Sludge buildup: The coolant in your radiator is supposed to be be bright yellow, green, or red. If the coolant appears to be a rusty or oily color, then you probably have contaminant built up in your radiator. Contaminants can greatly reduce your radiator's efficiency and performance.


• Low coolant levels: If you're having to add coolant to your radiator on a regular basis, or the light on your truck's dash turns on, then you likely have a leak and will probably need to have your radiator system checked.

Read More About Engine Cooling Systems

If you would like to know more about how your engine is cooled, then you've come to the right place. We have a full listing of articles designed to help you increase your knowledge on fan clutches, water pumps, and more!

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System: Charge Air Coolers

·       Getting To Know Your Engine Cooling System: Cooling Tanks

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System: Fan Blades

·       Getting To Know Your Engine Cooling System: Fan Clutches

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System: Oil Coolers

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System: Water Pumps