Is your car’s cooling system acting up? It might be due to an airlock in the radiator! In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the 6 most common car radiator airlock symptoms, the root causes behind them, and 3 simple steps to fix the issue.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
What is Airlock in the Car Radiator?
Airlock is a condition where a pocket of air becomes trapped within the cooling system, preventing coolant from flowing freely. When an airlock forms, the engine may overheat, causing damage to components like the head gasket or cylinder head. Therefore, it is a critical issue that needs your proper attention.
6 Symptoms of Airlock in Car Radiator
Many symptoms of an airlock in the car radiator can be confused with the signs of other issues like a blown head gasket or general cooling system malfunctions. So, rather than taking each individual symptom, you must look at this scenario as a whole. Whenever you’re confused, you must visit a professional car mechanic for the diagnosis.
Here are the 6 most common symptoms of an airlock in the car radiator.
1. Overheating
An airlock can prevent coolant from flowing freely inside the radiator. This lack of coolant circulation leads to increased engine temperatures, as the coolant cannot absorb and dissipate heat. So, if you see that the temperature gauge climbs into the red zone very often, it is a sign that something is wrong with the cooling system.
But here, the key thing to notice is that when the overheating is due to an airlock, the temperature gauge won’t show an overheated engine for extended periods. Rather, it will behave erratically. At times, it’ll be normal, but sometimes it will show overheating.
2. Rapid Coolant Loss
When air enters the system, it can create pressure imbalances that lead to coolant being forced out of the overflow tank. So, if you keep topping up the coolant in your car, but it doesn’t seem to stay there, it might indicate air pockets in the cooling system.
3. Car Heater Malfunction
A malfunctioning car heater is another symptom linked to the airlock in the radiator. The heater relies on hot coolant circulating through the heater core to provide warm air inside the vehicle. If air pockets are present, they can block the flow of coolant to the heater core, resulting in cold air blowing from the vents, even when the heating system is turned on.
4. Visible Coolant Leaks
Visible coolant leaks around the radiator, hoses, or engine can be a direct result of air entering the cooling system. Air can cause pressure fluctuations that lead to coolant being pushed out of weak points in the system, such as worn hoses. Look for visible coolant stains on the ground beneath your car, especially near the radiator, hoses, and water pump.
5. Strange Noise from Engine Bay
As the coolant and air mixture move through the system, you may hear gurgling or bubbling sounds. This is caused by the air pockets expanding and contracting as the coolant heats and cools.
6. Car Not Accelerating
If your car is noticeably slower to accelerate or feels like it’s losing power, especially when under load, it could be related to an airlock. When the engine overheats due to insufficient coolant flow, it can cause the vehicle’s performance to degrade, leading to sluggish acceleration.
What Causes Air Bubbles in the Coolant Reservoir?
Here are the common causes of air bubbles in the coolant reservoir:
- Improper bleeding of coolant: When coolant is drained and replaced, air can become trapped in the system. If not properly bled, this air expands as the engine heats up, leading to air bubbles in the reservoir.
- Faulty radiator cap: The radiator cap maintains pressure within the cooling system. If it is damaged or does not seal properly, air can enter the system.
- Bad thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent coolant from circulating properly, causing air pockets to form.
- Cooling system leaks: Leaks in hoses, gaskets, or other components can allow air to enter the cooling system.
- Failing water pump: The water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine. If it fails, coolant flow is disrupted, which can lead to air bubbles forming in the coolant reservoir.
- Blown head gasket: A blown head gasket can allow combustion gases to enter the cooling system, causing air bubbles and other serious problems.
How to Get Air Out of the Car Radiator?
Here’s how you can get the air out of the car radiator. But before you start this process, make sure that the engine is turned off and the car is completely cooled down. Plus, top off the coolant, as this will prevent air bubbles from forming during the process.
1. Locating Bleeder Valves
The first step in taking the air out of the radiator is to locate the bleeder valves. It is typically a small screw cap located on the bottom or near the side of the radiator. Look for any signs of air bubbles coming from these valves, which indicates that air is present in the system.
2. Purging the Car Radiator
Once you have located the bleeder valves, you can initiate the purging process. Start the engine and carefully open the bleeder valve. This allows air to escape as the coolant circulates.
Keep an eye on the coolant flow; once you observe a steady stream of coolant without bubbles, close the bleeder valve to prevent any additional air from entering the system. For a more thorough removal of residual air, you can also use a vacuum pump.
3. Post-Purging Check
After purging the radiator, it’s essential to perform a few checks to ensure that all the air has been removed. Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure the coolant level in the reservoir is at the correct mark. Add more if necessary.
- If the engine temperature remains high, it suggests that air is still trapped within the system.
- Inspect the cooling system for any signs of leaks, as these can allow air to re-enter.
Final Word: 6 Symptoms of Airlock in Car Radiator
In conclusion, an airlock can lead to serious engine damage if left untreated. So, if you notice any of these car radiator airlock symptoms, you need to take immediate action. Regularly monitor the coolant levels to ensure that the cooling system is working properly.
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