Radiator Repair - TM-10-3930-633-340054

TM 10-3930-633-34

scheduled maintenance interval. The exterior of

up existing leaks as it does not evaporate. The

radiator may be tested for leaks by using the

the radiator core should be cleaned and the

radiator inspected for leaks each 1000 operating

procedure outlined in the previous paragraph.

hours of normal service of the vehicle. Cleaning

5-4. Radiator Repair

should be performed by blowing out with air

a. Removal and Installation. Refer to TM 10-

stream or water stream directed from the rear of

3930-633-12.

the radiator. Visual inspection is not sufficient as

b. Filler Neck. If the seating surface of the

the accumulation of small particles of foreign

radiator cap is corroded or scored, use a com-

material on core surfaces can restrict cooling

mercially available reseating tool to clean up the

without closing the core openings.

surface, or use emery cloth or a small grinding

b. Leakage. Radiator leakage occasionally

wheel. Make certain the locking ears on the lip of

results from corrosion perforation of the metal

the neck are not bent or worn.

but most leakage results from mechanical failure

c. Overflow Pipe. If the overflow pipe is

of soldered joints when too much strain has been

dented or clogged, the pressure caused by ob-

put on the joint. Fractures occur most often at the

struction may cause damage to the radiator or

joint where the radiator inlet and outlet pipes are

hose connections in the cooling system. T o

attached to the tanks. When the seams break, the

remove clogging material, run a flexible wire

entire soldered joint is exposed and can corrode,

through the overflow pipe.

but breakage rather than corrosion is the primary

d. Radiator Core. Steam clean the radiator

cause of seam leakage. Examine the radiator

core thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Direct

carefully for leaks before and after cleaning.

steam from engine side of core. Straighten any

Cleaning may uncover points of leakage already

bent fins using needle-nose pliers. Leakage of a

existing but plugged with rust. White, rusty, or

minor nature at core and header tank joints may

colored leakage stains indicate previous radiator

be repaired by soldering; however, a badly

leakage. These spots may not be damp if water

corroded, leaking or a punctured core must be

only or methyl-alcohol-base antifreeze is in the

replaced.

cooling system since such coolants evaporate

readily. An ethylene-glycol-base antifreeze shows

5-2