these connections to prevent engine vibrations frombeing transferred to the radiator.When performing prestart checks on the radiatorsystem, check for leaks, particularly where the tanks aresoldered to the core, because vibration and pulsationfrom pressure can cause fatigue of soldered joints orseams. Bent fins should be straightened and the radiatorcore checked for any obstructions, tending to restrict theair flow. Radiator air passages can be cleaned byblowing them out with an air hose in the directionopposite to the ordinary flow of air. Water can also beused to soften obstructions before applying the air blast.In any event, the cleaning gets rid of dirt, bugs, leaves,straw, and other debris that would otherwise clog theradiator and reduce its cooling efficiency.CAUTIONSpraying high-pressure water to soften anobstruction on the radiator can cause damage tothe fins and core.All hoses and tubing should be checked for leakageand general condition. The leakage may often becorrected by tightening or replacing the hose clamps.Figure 1-44.—Liquid-cooling system.Deteriorated hoses should be replaced to preclude futuretroubles; for example, hoses sometimes rot on theinside, allowing tiny fragments to flow through thesystem and become lodged in the radiator, tending toclog it and cause overheating. For this reason, all old,cracked, or spongy hose should be replaced as soon asthe condition is discovered during the prestart checks.RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP.— The radiatorpressure cap (fig. 1-45) is used on nearly all modernFigure 1-45.—Radiator pressure cap.- - - - -1-33
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business