Will Radiator Stop Leak Harm My Engine?

When heavy machinery like excavators, loaders, and tractors are used daily, the engine cooling system is crucial. An essential part of maintaining a steady engine temperature is the radiator. In contrast, the coolant serves as the primary channel for this. Regarding the radiator's connection to the engine, the distinction between engine and radiator coolant, and if using radiator stop leak solutions can harm the engine, many owners and operators are perplexed. These queries will be addressed in this post by MyMROmarts, which will also explain how the cooling system functions and how to safeguard your heavy machinery.

 

What Connects the Radiator to the Engine?

The connection between the radiator and the engine is done primarily through the cooling system's water pipes and hoses. Typically, engine coolant first flows from the hot areas of the engine to the radiator through an engine water pump. The excavator radiator helps cool the coolant through its fins. The cooled fluid is then returned to the engine and recycled. This process is a closed loop called a water-cooled system.

 

Specifically, the coolant flows from the engine through a water pipe, passes through the radiator for cooling, and then returns to the engine through another pipe. In the design of the excavator radiator, there will usually be an inlet and outlet. In addition, the radiator itself will be fitted with a cooling fan, which is used to improve air circulation.

 

What Is the Difference Between Engine Coolant and Radiator Coolant?

In most cases, engine coolant is the same as radiator coolant. They are both fluids in the same system. The main function of coolant is to carry away the heat produced by the engine by flowing. Coolant usually consists of water, glycol, and other additives. These components increase its cooling efficiency and prevent the coolant from freezing in cold temperatures.

 

Although engine coolant and radiator coolant are essentially the same, ‘radiator coolant’ is sometimes used to specifically refer to the coolant that goes directly into the radiator section. For heavy-duty equipment, coolants need to have high thermal conductivity and be corrosion-resistant.

 

Will Radiator Stop Leak Hurt My Engine?

Yes, radiator stop leaks are only a temporary solution. This is usually used to repair small cracks and leaks that occur in diesel engine radiators, hoses, or cooling systems. It works by a special chemical that forms a sealing film at the point of the leak. Many car owners will choose to use a radiator stop leak product when they experience a minor radiator leak. This may seem to solve the problem, but in reality, long-term reliance on radiator stop leaks can cause serious damage to the engine. There are three specific disadvantages:

 

1. Clogging the cooling system

Radiator Stop Leak products can form a brown slime inside the cooling system during use. In fact, it can make a mess of the entire cooling system. Especially at high temperatures. This slime can clog up critical parts such as water pipes, radiator fins, and even the water pump.

 

2. Affects coolant flow

Leak stoppers ‘seal’ leaks with chemicals that also directly affect the normal flow of coolant in the system. This can directly lead to poor coolant flow, triggering high engine temperatures.

 

3. Causes excessive corrosion

Some radiator stop leakage products are not suitable for long-term use. This is because the chemical components in them will react with the metal parts in the cooling system. This can lead to corrosion and accelerated aging of the metal parts, ultimately damaging the engine and the radiator itself.

 

The cooling system of excavators is particularly susceptible to this effect because of the complexity of their working environment and the large temperature difference. Radiator stop leak products can only provide temporary relief from radiator leaks, but they do not address the root cause of the problem. If you notice a leak in your radiator or cooling system, it is recommended that you replace the damaged part as soon as possible. When your budget is limited, aftermarket engine parts can guarantee quality and meet your financial needs.