Troubleshooter: Keeping cool: A systems approach

Cooling systems on today’s trucks are burdened more than ever. Truck designs that improve aerodynamics often result in a narrow, sloped hood with reduced grille area. Add to that the greater heat given off by newer, emissions-compliant engines, and rigorous maintenance of the cooling system becomes of critical importance. A cooling system that used to be able to do its duty with reserve cooling capacity to spare now needs to be in perfect condition, particularly during the heat of the summer.

The first step in preparing the cooling system for summer should be to check the cleanliness and mechanical condition of the radiator and charge air cooler.

The role of the radiator is to transfer heat from a liquid to outside air. Radiators are designed to have as much metal surface in the smallest amount of space possible. The result is a heat exchanger with small, easily clogged passages, both inside and out.

Many years after the radiator was born, efforts at Volvo and Mack produced the chassis-mounted charge air cooler. When a turbocharger pressurizes the air, it heats it well beyond 350 to 400

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