Aug
29
2011
Q&A: Radiator Explosion!!?
Posted by admin in Question & Answers, tags: Explosion, radiatorQuestion by bballtwin25: Radiator Explosion!!?
Okay, that may have been to hook you in…but it did kind of explode. Just replaced an alternator on a 1993 Geo Prizm LSi 1.8L, and next time my sister takes it out, boom. The thing overheats and a piece of the radiator blows off (plastic right next to the cap). So obviously this radiator is scrapped, and I was thinking about replacing the thermostat along with it. Is there anything else someone can think of that could be the culprit here before I begin spending money on this job?
Thanks y’all
Best answer:
Answer by Jim B
A blown head gasket can cause the cylinder pressure to fill the radiator, which could cause it to actually explode
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Well the thermostat is usually the culprit . . because when it sops working everything overheats . . usually the engine more than the radiator though.
If you have high miles on that car . . you might consider replacing the water pump
Get a new radiator cap while you are at it. Also check the oil to see if it looks milky, if it does then there would be an issue with the headgasket or block that could have done it.
“The thing overheats” That’s your answer; right there!
The cap did not opened and relieved the steam pressure. It should. Probably the reason is the rating was NOT the right one. If it requires a cap to OPEN up at – let’s say 35 psi and you install one that opens up at 45psi – of course it’s gonna “explode”. Lucky she was not looking at the darn thing when the cap let go. She could have been seriously hurt.
Check if the engine head is nor warped now, due to the heat. Alternator has nothing to do, except to put an extra bit of stress on the engine to turn it (might be it was TOO much for the tired rad to cool on time and kept accumulating its Temp. It could have worsened even more, if you – instead of Glycol to cool it, you only had water, which has different thermal capacity than pure water).
In any case, mucho mullah $ $ $ $ $
I agree with Jim B i had a civic that did the same thing. it was a cracked head, a head gasket can do the same thing, but the over hating issue is prob what caused the gasket or head to go bad. i would put some fluid in it and turn it over and see if the fluid comes out like a guesser!