Feeling hot on the road? The coolant system is one of the most critical components of your truck's engine, so lets look at how it works, the issues you may face, and why it's essential to keep it maintained.
How Does a Coolant System Work?
The cooling system in your heavy-duty diesel truck circulates coolant through the engine, absorbing the heat generated during use.
The coolant is circulated through a series of lines by the system’s water pump, which is located near the front of the engine. This works in conjunction with the fan clutch that controls the cooling fan, which regulates the airflow into the system’s radiator.
The radiator is at the front of the truck and cools the hot coolant before returning it to the engine. This is a consistent cycle that helps regulate your engine’s temperature, allowing it to perform effectively.
Why is My Truck Overheating?
If your heavy-duty diesel truck is overheating, then this is a pretty clear indicator that your coolant system is damaged. There are many things that can cause this, such as:
Plugged Radiator
Your radiator may become plugged with debris such as dirt, sludge, and rust as a result of coolant breakdown due to not being changed out at appropriate intervals. This prevents the flow of coolant to and from the engine, causing it to overheat.
Faulty Fan Clutch
The fan clutch is responsible for regulating the airflow through the radiator. A faulty fan clutch will either spin at incorrect speeds or not at all. This could cause a loud, annoying sound while driving or even cause the engine to overheat. If your heavy-duty diesel truck uses a non-thermal fan clutch, leaks in the fluid coupling will again cause the fan to spin at the wrong speeds.
Water Pump Malfunction
The water pump is in charge of moving coolant throughout the engine, and if it breaks down, no coolant will flow at all.
Coolant Leak
Low coolant levels or a coolant leak will cause an insufficient amount of of radiant heat to be dispersed and eventually the engine will overheat.
Damaged Fins
Damaged radiator fins as a result of debris can restrict airflow and cause overheating, which will most likely result in damage to your cooling fan.
Although these aren't ideal, it's not the end of the world. Especially if you visit Blue Ridge Truck Service at 726 Cedar Lane, Cana, VA 24317, and book your maintenance today!
Cooling System Maintenance Services
Coolant Flush
It's recommended to flush your coolant every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to remove any contaminants that may cause blockages or corrosion.
Leak Check
Regularly inspect your cooling system for leaks, especially around the hoses, water pump, and radiator.
Fin Check
Inspect your radiator fins for any damage or blockages that may restrict airflow.
To schedule your cooling system maintenance, contact us at Blue Ridge Truck Service at 726 Cedar Lane, Cana, VA 24317, today!
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