How does air get in the system and how can I fix it?
As touched on above, there are several reasons why air can get into the cooling system, and these range from minor issues to severe mechanical problems. Below, we list some of the areas prone to fault that can let air into the system, and offer practical advice on how to fix it.
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Head Gasket
When a head gasket blows, compressed air from the cylinders can rapidly enter the cooling system, leading to bubbling in the reservoir and coolant/antifreeze seeping into the cylinder head. This can cause the engine to overheat very quickly, and you should pull over immediately before it gets worse.
Symptoms:
- Overheating
- Bubbles in the coolant/antifreeze reservoir
- White smoke from the exhaust
- Billowing steam from under the bonnet
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The fix: Getting the leak fixed by a professional is one option. This can be expensive though, so if you want to save some money you could use a leak repair fluid at home. These do provide safe, permanent repairs – just follow the instructions carefully.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
To maintain pressure, cooling systems rely on a pressurised cap that keeps the system at a constant pressure while allowing coolant/antifreeze to flow to the expansion reservoir. If the cap develops a fault or is replaced with one that’s not compatible with the system, air can get into the system and cause problems.
Symptoms:
- Bubbling in the coolant/antifreeze reservoir
- Bubbles around the cap seal
- Overheating
The fix: If a fault develops with the pressure cap, it will need to be replaced before the pressure change can cause damage to the radiator. Make sure the cap is replaced with an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) component, or one directly recommended by the manufacturer.
Air Pockets in the Radiator
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Air pockets in the radiator can cause blockages as coolant/antifreeze circulates through the engine. These usually happen after a coolant/antifreeze flush, when not enough coolant/antifreeze is added to the system to expel any remaining air.
Symptoms:
- Bubbling in the reservoir.
- Higher operating temperature, which could lead to overheating.
- Potential radiator damage.
The fix: When flushing the radiator and cooling system, make sure you run the engine with the pressure cap off for 15 minutes after refilling the system. This will bleed any air from the radiator and cooling system before you replace the pressure cap.
Read our comprehensive guide on how to do a coolant flush.
At Prestone, our coolant/antifreeze is tested in all extremes, so you can trust it to take care of your car’s engine and cooling system all year round.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
