How to Service Aluminum Radiators

Aluminum radiator is lighter than traditional brass radiator, but performs the same function of circulating coolant to lower the temperature of your vehicle's engine. Both the body and the aluminum core are subject to rust, clogs and breaks just as brass radiators, and the hoses are still rubber and are subject to rips and tears. Aluminum radiators are easier to repair than their brass counterparts, but the repairs and/or replacement can be costly, making regular servicing advisable.
Instructions
1.Spray the surface of the aluminum radiator with water or an air hose to remove debris that has settled on the radiator, possibly preventing it from functioning properly. Radiating heat from the surface of the radiator is one of the ways in which the radiator keeps the temperature of the coolant down. Removal of surface debris may also reveal holes in the radiator that can be repaired before problems ensue.
2.Check the level of coolant in the aluminum radiator accessories and fill it with the car manufacturer's recommended blend of coolant and water. Since the radiator is metal, using only water could cause internal rusting and eventual blockages or leakage. A proper coolant/water mixture is beneficial because coolant contains anti-rust elements.
3.Remove the radiator cap of the Bimetal Radiator and replace it with a radiator pressure test kit. A radiator works by building pressure when the engine is running and using that pressure to force the coolant throughout the engine's cooling system. Test the radiator to make certain it has the proper pressure. Lowered pressure may prevent the radiator from circulating the coolant properly and may indicate a leak in the radiator.
4.Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to check for firmness. If the hose has been damaged and is breaking down, it will feel soft and pliable. The radiator hoses are a direct conduit for the coolant transfer between the engine and the radiator, and if there are rips or tears, coolant could leak and cause radiator and engine problems.
5.Turn the vehicle's heater control to the "on" setting and turn the ignition switch off. Allow the vehicle and the engine to cool. Remove the radiator cap and the upper and lower radiator hoses. Drain the coolant from the aluminum radiator by opening the drain plug. Flush the radiator with a water hose through the top of the radiator until the water runs clear. Reverse the flush by inserting the water hose into the lower radiator hose. Place the hoses back on the radiator and refill the radiator with coolant.