Unit design
It is worth noting that the use of cooling radiators is practiced not only in cars.
These important devices are also used in a wide variety of devices. The same heating system in a car also has its own radiator. There is also a radiator for the air conditioner.
They all perform similar functions and, despite some design similarities, have many differences, both in their operation and in execution.
In a car, such a unit necessarily consists of a set of aluminum tubes, to which a large number of thin plates are specially attached, which help to increase the heat transfer coefficient of the tubes.
The main purpose of aluminum tubes in this case is to ensure the flow of coolant heated to a certain temperature.
By flowing through the tubes in this way, the liquid gets rid of excess heat, which escapes into the atmosphere. For more efficient cooling, the radiator is constantly blown by a special fan.
Despite the fact that this cooling device is designed quite simply and consists of a small set of elements, its importance in engine operation is difficult to overestimate. Like any other unit, a car radiator tends to periodically fail and there can be many reasons for this.
Like any other unit, a car radiator tends to periodically fail and there can be many reasons for this.
Quite often, the device begins to function poorly due to internal clogging of the copper pipes or core.
In addition, very often the radiator breaks down due to a variety of mechanical faults, which include the appearance of microcracks in the surface of the pipes, as well as in the places where they are attached to the base.
This may be the result of poor soldering, or it may be of a different nature. If the cause of the unit malfunction is clogging, flushing will help solve the problem.
If mechanical faults occur, the problem will have to be solved by carrying out certain repair work.
Mechanical faults can be eliminated using special glue and some chemical compounds, but most often this is done using soldering.
Soldering universal car or air conditioner radiators with your own hands is quite simple and requires a minimum of materials and tools.
The video below shows how to solder an air conditioner radiator yourself.
Video:
Soldering a radiator at home
Soldering cooling system radiators is a classic repair method. It was used at the beginning of the last century. At that time, radiators were made of copper or its alloys (usually brass). Soldering technology was mature at that time. A copper kettle could be repaired in any city. The soldering process is performed at the melting temperature of the solder used. To perform soldering, the following materials and tools are required:
- a powerful soldering iron of 220 Volts (it is better to use a hammer type with a power of 250 or 200 Watts, if not available, at least 100 Watts);
- medium grit sandpaper;
- active flux;
- tin-lead solder POS-60 or POS-40;
- solvent for surface cleaning.
Before starting repairs, the radiator is dismantled, then it should be washed, possibly with running water.
The pre-repaired surface of the radiator is cleaned of foreign contaminants. Next, if necessary, to provide access to the soldering area, carefully remove the cooling fins. Then a final cleaning is carried out using sandpaper.
The soldering iron (if it is new) is pre-tinned. To do this, active flux is applied to its tip, heated to operating temperature, and then solder is melted onto the soldering iron tip. If there is no active flux, you can use an aspirin tablet. At the same time, it is advisable not to inhale the “thermonuclear” fumes from the tablet.
Next, active flux is applied to the cleaned area. After this, a large drop of solder is applied to the soldering iron tip and the soldering process is carried out. It requires a little experience. It may take time to get good soldering done.
Procedure for cleaning the air conditioner radiator without removing
- Remove the engine radiator using the vehicle's operating and repair instructions.
- From the outside, remove the front bumper and radiator grill of the car.
Cleaning the car air conditioner video
- Having gained access to the air conditioner radiator, you must first rinse it with a gentle stream of water from the inside, and then from the outside. Cleaning in this way is carried out several times, alternately - inside and outside.
- You should also clean the engine radiator and then install it back. It is not recommended to remove the condenser, since it is charged with freon, and specialists are required to work with such refrigerants.
How to solder an aluminum radiator Topic author Vera
Air conditioner pipe repair
The radiator on the Pavel stove leaked. Small hole - it's a shame to waste money on a new one. I was told that there are solders that can be used to solder aluminum. Please tell me what they are called. Maybe someone has experience with such soldering - please share! Lydia.
Mikhail Aluminum is soldered with solder. consisting of tin and zinc. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you the percentage of solder. Look at here.
Georgy Soldering iron
