What are the consequences of the failure of your Semi Truck Radiator?

Immediate Consequences - Overheating:

• The radiator’s main job is to dissipate heat from the engine coolant.
• A leak lowers coolant levels, meaning less fluid to absorb and transfer heat.
• Result: The engine overheats, sometimes within minutes under load or climbing a steep hill.

Symptoms:

• Rising temperature gauge.
• Coolant warning light.
• Steam coming from under the hood.
• Loss of power as the ECM (Engine Control Module) derates to protect the engine.

Risks Engine Damage - If a Radiator Leak Goes Unchecked:

• Head gasket failure from overheating pressure spikes.
• Warped cylinder heads due to uneven heat expansion.
• Cracked engine block or liners (in extreme overheating).
• Oil contamination (coolant leaking into oil circuits).
• A single overheating incident can cost several thousand dollars in engine repairs on a modern heavy-duty diesel.

Electrical and System Effects - Sensor Errors and ECM Shutdowns:

• The ECM detects high temperature or low coolant and triggers derate or shutdown modes to protect the engine.
• On some trucks, this may occur automatically and leave you stranded.

Turbocharger Impact:

• An overheated engine can lead to higher exhaust gas temperatures, affecting the turbo and charge air cooler (CAC).
• Continuous overheating shortens turbo life dramatically.

Operational and Economic Consequences:

Don’t allow a leaking Semi Truck Radiator to impact your business, install a Dura-Lite replacement for ongoing reliability and peace of mind.

Demand Excellence! Demand Performance! Demand Quality! Demand Dura-Lite!

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