Leaking coolant can lead to an overheating engine, which can cause serious damage to your tractor trailer. Most people donât know how to fix this problem themselves, but with these simple steps, you can easily find and repair your coolant leak so you can get back on the road safely and quickly. Letâs get started!
Identify and Locate the Leak
Before you start looking for an issue, itâs important to have an idea of what needs fixing. If your truck overheats, it might be due to a broken thermostat or radiator hose. Steam from under the hood could be due to leaking coolant. Some symptoms of a coolant leak include hearing bubbling noises in your engine bay, feeling warm air and steam escaping under your hood, and getting rusty drips on the roadway after sitting for a while idling. When you notice any of these issues, itâs time to diagnose whatâs causing them. That means finding exactly where your truck is leaking from.
Remove, Clean and Replace Pipe Connections
Start by Checking all hoses and pipes in the engine bay for wetness or corrosion like build up. If you find any small leaks or corrosion buildup then itâs time to clean and tighten them. Remove any connections and clean with wire brushes and scrapers to remove any corrosion or debris buildup that can prevent a good seal later. Now use a little Multi-purpose grease to lube all connections to make it easier to install hoses. Check all hose clamps for proper operation. If any problems are found, replace the hose clamp. If you have any O-rings on your connections it should be replaced at this time. Visually check all hose clamps, O-rings, and bolts on hose connections that you have removed and reinstalled. Now it’s time to fill the system.Â
Filling System And Check For Leaks
Now fill the system to capacity and leave the cap off to bleed the system. Start the truck and let it idle until it is up to operating temperature. Also turn your HVAC system to full heat. This is to ensure that the thermostat is open and you have full flow through the whole system. When you are getting good heat then turn the heat off. If you check the upper and lower radiator hoses they should be hot to the touch (careful not to burn yourself). Make sure to check all connections that you serviced for leaks. If any are found you may just need to tighten the hose clamp a little more. Be careful not to tighten too much; you can damage the hose and would then need a replacement.Â
Need Help Repairing a Leaky Radiator? Call (443) 790-8887 Today!
If youâre in need of radiator reapair or roadside assistance, look no further than A1 Emergency Roadside Service. We can come to your location and perform repairs quickly and efficiently. Our fleet is ready for service 24 hours a day and we offer a wide range of repairs from bodywork to exhaust systems. Contact us today for more information.
